8646-R1_NewGloucester_2022-2023_AnnualReport_Web

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228th Annual Report

New Gloucester Maine

July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023

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) 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, 2022 to June 30, 2023 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

Dedications

2-4 5-7

Town Officers/Departments

State Representatives Boards/Committees Town Clerk Report

8-14

15-19

20 21 22 23

Town Manager – Letter of Transmittal

Report of Assessing

Report of Code Enforcement Office Report of Fire/Rescue Department

24-30 31-33

Report of Library

Report of Parks & Recreation

Report of Planning

35-36

Report of Public Works Report of Transfer Station

37 38

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

39-44

46-47

Report of Environmental Resources Committee

49-50

Report of Royal River Riders

51 52

Report of New Gloucester Water District

Auditors Reports – FY22 Auditors Reports – FY23

53-57

Treasurer’s Report

59-62 63-65 66-83

Tax Liens and Unpaid Taxes

2023 Sabbathday Lake Water Quality Report

Annual Town Report Dedication STEVE LIBBY

As a volunteer, Steve has unselfishly given his time and energy to support New Gloucester since 1987, when he was first appointed to the Budget Committee. He was following advice from then Selectman John M. Lowe, who told Steve, “If you really want to get involved with the town, start with the budget committee. You will learn how the town works.” Everyone knows Steve loves the budget process. Steve’s first term as a Selectman was in 1990, and he served as a Selectman for 21 years. As the Selectman liaison or an appointed member, Steve served on the following boards and committees: the Board of Appeals, the Budget Committee, the Cable TV Committee, the Capital Improvement Committee, the Economic Development Committee, the Foreclosure Committee, the Planning Board, the Public Safety Committee, and the Municipal Building Needs Committee. He also served six years as New Gloucester’s representative on the Mid-Maine Waste Action Corporation Board of Directors. Since Steve was first elected as a Selectman, he has been involved with the following town projects: the Library expansion, the Community Building conversion, the Meetinghouse conversion, the new Fire Station, the purchase and redevelopment of Pineland by the Libra Foundation, formation of the New Gloucester Water District, the new Public Works Complex, and the New Gloucester Fairgrounds development. Steve is still serving on the Planning Board, the Capital Improvement Committee, and the Budget Committee. He is also a member of the Ad Hoc Semiquincentennial Committee and the Ad Hoc Municipal Complex Advisory Committee. Steve has not only volunteered in Town government, but he has also given his time and expertise to projects in the private sector that directly benefit the New Gloucester community. He was the project manager for the design and construction of the New Gloucester Historical Society History Barn and the project coordinator for the New Gloucester Veterans Monument. Steve was a Little League softball coach, and he serves on the GNG Little League Board. Steve lives on Gloucester Hill (“the hill”) with his wife, son, and daughter. He is proud to live on the land where he grew up…and where his Libby grandparents came to live when they were married 100 years ago. It is easy to see what Steve Libby has done and is doing for our community… and he will never hesitate to tell you that he loves New Gloucester.

Steve

Steve & Lynn

Annual Town Report Dedication LENORA CONGER

The New Gloucester Municipal Officers are honored to dedicate the 2022 2023 New Gloucester Town Report to the late, Lenora R. Conger. The Municipal Officers recognize Lenora’s strong sense of civic duty and dedication to her family, our country, our state and our community. Lynn was raised in the Bethel area. After completion of nursing school, Lynn joined the United States Air Force and attained the rank of first lieutenant. While serving our country Lynn met her husband of 47 years, Kevin Conger. After discharge from the Air Force, Lynn and Kevin drove back to Maine, settling in New Gloucester in 1986. Lynn’s career was dedicated to serving as a registered nurse. Later in her career she also earned the title of small business owner when she founded and operated Pine Tree Home Health Care, also located in New Gloucester. While juggling family and career duties, Lynn found additional ways to serve New Gloucester. Lynn served as a Select Board member for 16 years in multiple terms between 1990 and 2019. She served as Chair multiple times during her service. Lynn was a member of the budget committee, Public Works Committee and Ad hoc Recall Ordinance Committee. These are just a few examples of Lynn’s service to New Gloucester. Her family recalls her always running to meetings that related to town business. Her husband Kevin dubbed her “mayor” as she always offered her service to New Gloucester when it was needed. Lynn’s dedication to serving outside of New Gloucester continued as a member of The Order of the Eastern Star. The Eastern Star provides an organization where women and men with high moral character, a desire to work for the betterment of others and a drive to make the world a better place can contribute their time, energy and wisdom to the Order for the good of all mankind throughout the world. Lynn greatly enjoyed her service to the Eastern Star. Lynn was most proud of how her entire family was dedicated to serving others. She was proud of her daughter following her career path while also serving New Gloucester citizens in multiple ways. Her son for following her husband Kevin’s career path in law enforcement. Lynn’s example of selfless service to others was recognized by not only her family, but the public as well, guaranteeing a future of public servants looking to honor her service by serving themselves. In New Gloucester we depend on those in our community who selflessly serve to make our community a better place for all. The New Gloucester Municipal Officers are pleased to make this dedication to a woman who spent her life selflessly serving everywhere she went; we also recognize the sacrifice family makes to support these volunteers in their efforts. It is with great honor that we dedicate this report to the late Lenora Conger!

ANNUAL REPORT

TOWN OFFICERS – JULY 2022 to JUNE 2023

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

SELECT BOARD, ASSESSORS, OVERSEERS OF THE POOR

Peter Bragdon Tammy Donovan Stephen Hathorne Paul Larrivee, Jr.

Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2025

Dustin Ward

TOWN MANAGER, ROAD COMMISSIONER, TAX COLLECTOR, TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY TREASURER, WELFARE ADMINISTRATOR Christine M. Landes (resigned August 2022) Brad Plante, Interim (commenced August 2022- November 2022) William H. Kerbin, Jr. (commenced November 2022)

TREASURER

Lori Anne Wilson

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

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS

Sharlene F. Myers (commenced March 2023)

ANNUAL REPORT

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR Kimberly A. Getchell(resigned March 2023)

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR Nancy Campbell (commenced April 2023)

ASSESSORS’ AGENT

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

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, HEALTH OFFICER, PLUMBING INSPECTOR Rick Haas

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Craig Bouchard, Interim

FENCE VIEWER

Douglas P. Bowie

FIRE/RESCUE CHIEF, FOREST FIRE WARDEN

Craig Bouchard, Interim

ANNUAL REPORT

DEPUTY RESCUE CHIEF

None appointed

DEPUTY RESCUE CHIEF

Mary Rich

LIBRARIAN

Jay Campbell (resigned May 2023) Emily Martin, Interim (commenced May 2023)

ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN

Emily Martin

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Theodore Shane

TOWN PLANNER

Natalie Thomsen (resigned February 2023) Kathy Tombarelli (commenced May 2023)

ANNUAL REPORT

STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 20

Eric Brakey

State Address: Senate Chamber

Home Address: P O Box 3331 Auburn, ME 04210 Tel. (207) 287-1505

3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333

Email: eric.brakey@legislature.maine.com Website: www.mesenategop.com

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

131 st MAINE SENATE

3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333

Eric Brakey

Senator, District 20

Dear Friends and Neighbors: I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your State Senator. It has been an honor to work on your behalf to make our state an even better place to live, work and conduct business. I assure you, I will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Senate District 20. The First Regular and First Special Sessions of the 131 st Maine State Legislature were notable as there were over 2,600 legislative bill requests and 2,019 of them were officially printed as Legislative Documents (LDs). No legislature this century has had as many LDs printed during its first year. One area of success was in the Highway Fund. In the past, the Highway Fund has been supported through gasoline taxes, which have been declining for years due to more fuel-efficient and electric/hybrid vehicles, and bonding; however, we now have created a sustainable source of funding to maintain our transportation infrastructure. We will accomplish this by dedicating 40% of the vehicle sales tax along with the sales and use taxes collected by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This action is predicted to raise more than $200 million for infrastructure each biennium. The Second Regular Session will begin in January 2024. I am eager to discuss the issues important to all of you. I have heard from many of you regarding the biggest concerns you are facing, including increasing energy costs; access to health care and child care; education; housing; inflation; child welfare; mental health and substance abuse; workforce development; and crime, among others. 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. The 131 st Legislature has a great deal more work to do; however, I believe, if we work collaboratively, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. Please feel free to contact me by calling (207) 287-1505 or emailing me at Eric.Brakey@legislature.maine.gov. If you have comments, questions, or if you would like assistance in navigating our state’s bureaucracy.

For Liberty!

Eric Brakey State Senator

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 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 B. Arata P.O. Box 2 Amy B. Arata P.O. Box 2

January 2024 Dear Friends & Neighbors, New Gloucester, ME 04260 Cell Phone: (207) 333-1817 Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov January 2024 Dear Friends & Neighbors, New Gloucester, ME 04260 Cell Phone: (207) 333-1817 Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov

I am honored by the opportunity to serve as your state representative for District 104 in the Maine House of Representatives for the 131st Legislature. For this two year term, I was also elected to serve my fellow caucus members as the Assistant House Republican Leader. It is a tremendous honor to help lead my peers through the complexities of legislative business. The Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature got underway on January 3. Legislative committees are expected to debate approximately 635 bills this session. In order for me to represent you, I encourage you to provide me your thoughts on all the issues that are important to you. Using the legislative homepage: Legislature.Maine.Gov you can monitor all legislative proposals being worked on at the State House. From here you can browse bill summaries and roll call votes, view session and public hearing schedules, listen to committee hearings or watch live streaming video of the House and Senate. You can also access committee hearings via Zoom, where you can observe or testify on a bill. For the 131st Legislature, I continue to serve on the Government Oversight Committee (GOC). Membership on the GOC is evenly divided between the 2 largest political parties represented in each chamber. The mission of the committee is to oversee program evaluation and government accountability in State government. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your elected representative for the Town of New Gloucester. Please call me anytime at 333-1817 to keep me updated on your concerns. If you have an interest in receiving my regular E-Newsletter, please send along your email address to Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov so that it can be added to my distribution list. Again, thank you for providing me the honor of serving you in Augusta! Respectfully, I am honored by the opportunity to serve as your state representative for District 104 in the Maine House of Representatives for the 131st Legislature. For this two year term, I was also elected to serve my fellow caucus members as the Assistant House Republican Leader. It is a tremendous honor to help lead my peers through the complexities of legislative business. The Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature got underway on January 3. Legislative committees are expected to debate approximately 635 bills this session. In order for me to represent you, I encourage you to provide me your thoughts on all the issues that are important to you. Using the legislative homepage: Legislature.Maine.Gov you can monitor all legislative proposals being worked on at the State House. From here you can browse bill summaries and roll call votes, view session and public hearing schedules, listen to committee hearings or watch live streaming video of the House and Senate. You can also access committee hearings via Zoom, where you can observe or testify on a bill. For the 131st Legislature, I continue to serve on the Government Oversight Committee (GOC). Membership on the GOC is evenly divided between the 2 largest political parties represented in each chamber. The mission of the committee is to oversee program evaluation and government accountability in State government. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your elected representative for the Town of New Gloucester. Please call me anytime at 333-1817 to keep me updated on your concerns. If you have an interest in receiving my regular E-Newsletter, please send along your email address to Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov so that it can be added to my distribution list. Again, thank you for providing me the honor of serving you in Augusta! Respectfully,

Amy B. Arata State Representative Amy B. Arata State Representative

District 104 Gray (part) and New Gloucester District 104 Gray (part) and New Gloucester

Dear Friends: It is an honor to serve the people of Maine in the U.S. Senate, and I welcome this opportunity to share an update on issues important to Maine and America. One of my priorities for 2023 has been to improve the appropriations process in Congress – the way it decides how to spend taxpayer money. I took over as the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee last year. Along with Chair Patty Murray, we decided the best change we could make was not to do something new. Instead, it was to do something old – that is, go back to the regular and transparent committee process that we used to have. Part of restoring this process included holding 50 public Committee hearings, which allowed for input from senators on both sides of the aisle. As a result, for the first time in five years, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed all twelve of its funding bills on time. This was done with strong bipartisan support. In fact, seven of them passed unanimously. Now, we need to work with the House of Representatives to pass these twelve bills and turn them into laws. These bills contain funding for a wide range of Maine priorities, including support for the workforce at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, our lobster industry, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, biomedical research, veterans, and heating assistance programs like LIHEAP. These bills also contain nearly $590 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for 231 projects throughout the State of Maine. These projects would help promote job creation, expand access to health care, and improve public safety, infrastructure, and important resources in communities across all 16 counties of our state. I will continue to work to get these bills signed into law in the new year. On October 25, the horrific mass shooting in Lewiston claimed the lives of 18 Mainers and injured 13 others. In response, I led Maine’s Congressional Delegation in requesting an independent investigation by the U.S. Army Inspector General into the events leading up to the shooting. On December 15, the Under Secretary of the Army wrote to inform me that such an investigation will take place, and the Army Inspector General has instructed her team to immediately begin preparing to conduct this investigation. While nothing can undo the events of October 25, I will continue to work to understand what happened and what could have been done differently, and to find answers for the victims, survivors, and their families. No one works harder than the people of Maine, and this year I honored that work ethic when I cast my 8,855th consecutive roll call vote. As we look ahead to 2024, I remain committed to addressing the concerns of Maine families and communities. If you need assistance or wish to share your thoughts, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of my six state offices. Sincerely, Dear Friends: It is an honor to serve the people of Maine in the U.S. Senate, and I welcome this opportunity to share an update on issues important to Maine and America. One of my priorities for 2023 has been to improve the appropriations process in Congress – the way it decides how to spend taxpayer money. I took over as the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee last year. Along with Chair Patty Murray, we decided the best change we could make was not to do something new. Instead, it was to do something old – that is, go back to the regular and transparent committee process that we used to have. Part of restoring this process included holding 50 public Committee hearings, which allowed for input from senators on both sides of the aisle. As a result, for the first time in five years, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed all twelve of its funding bills on time. This was done with strong bipartisan support. In fact, seven of them passed unanimously. Now, we need to work with the House of Representatives to pass these twelve bills and turn them into laws. These bills contain funding for a wide range of Maine priorities, including support for the workforce at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, our lobster industry, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, biomedical research, veterans, and heating assistance programs like LIHEAP. These bills also contain nearly $590 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for 231 projects throughout the State of Maine. These projects would help promote job creation, expand access to health care, and improve public safety, infrastructure, and important resources in communities across all 16 counties of our state. I will continue to work to get these bills signed into law in the new year. On October 25, the horrific mass shooting in Lewiston claimed the lives of 18 Mainers and injured 13 others. In response, I led Maine’s Congressional Delegation in requesting an independent investigation by the U.S. Army Inspector General into the events leading up to the shooting. On December 15, the Under Secretary of the Army wrote to inform me that such an investigation will take place, and the Army Inspector General has instructed her team to immediately begin preparing to conduct this investigation. While nothing can undo the events of October 25, I will continue to work to understand what happened and what could have been done differently, and to find answers for the victims, survivors, and their families. No one works harder than the people of Maine, and this year I honored that work ethic when I cast my 8,855th consecutive roll call vote. As we look ahead to 2024, I remain committed to addressing the concerns of Maine families and communities. If you need assistance or wish to share your thoughts, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of my six state offices. Sincerely, Dear Friends: It is an honor to serve the people of Maine in the U.S. Senate, and I welcome this opportunity to share an update on issues important to Maine and America. One of my priorities for 2023 has been to improve the appropriations process in Congress – the way it decides how to spend taxpayer money. I took over as the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee last year. Along with Chair Patty Murray, we decided the best change we could make was not to do something new. Instead, it was to do something old – that is, go back to the regular and transparent committee process that we used to have. Part of restoring this process included holding 50 public Committee hearings, which allowed for input from senators on both sides of the aisle. As a result, for the first time in five years, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed all twelve of its funding bills on time. This was done with strong bipartisan support. In fact, seven of them passed unanimously. Now, we need to work with the House of Representatives to pass these twelve bills and turn them into laws. These bills contain funding for a wide range of Maine priorities, including support for the workforce at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, our lobster industry, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, biomedical research, veterans, and heating assistance programs like LIHEAP. These bills also contain nearly $590 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for 231 projects throughout the State of Maine. These projects would help promote job creation, expand access to health care, and improve public safety, infrastructure, and important resources in communities across all 16 counties of our state. I will continue to work to get these bills signed into law in the new year. On October 25, the horrific mass shooting in Lewiston claimed the lives of 18 Mainers and injured 13 others. In response, I led Maine’s Congressional Delegation in requesting an independent investigation by the U.S. Army Inspector General into the events leading up to the shooting. On December 15, the Under Secretary of the Army wrote to inform me that such an investigation will take place, and the Army Inspector General has instructed her team to immediately begin preparing to conduct this investigation. While nothing can undo the events of October 25, I will continue to work to understand what happened and what could have been done differently, and to find answers for the victims, survivors, and their families. No one works harder than the people of Maine, and this year I honored that work ethic when I cast my 8,855th consecutive roll call vote. As we look ahead to 2024, I remain committed to addressing the concerns of Maine families and communities. If you need assistance or wish to share your thoughts, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of my six state offices. Sincerely,

Susan M. Collins United States Senator

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

C OMMITTEE ON A GRICULTURE S UBCOMMITTEES : L IVESTOCK , D AIRY , AND P OULTRY F ORESTRY

WWW . PINGREE HOUSE . GOV

WWW . PINGREE . HOUSE . GOV

C OMMITTEE ON A GRICULTURE S UBCOMMITTEES : L IVESTOCK , D AIRY , AND P OULTRY F ORESTRY

Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. It is my honor to serve the people of Maine’s First District, and I’m pleased to share some ways that I can support you and your community this year. I know that navigating many federal agencies and programs can be frustrating. One of my most important roles as a Member of Congress is to assist you if you’re having trouble. My office can help to resolve challenges with a wide range of programs, including Social Security, veterans’ benefits, passport renewals, and more. If you need help, please reach out to my Portland office at (207) 774-5019 or visit my website at pingree.house.gov/contact. As you know, communities around Maine have experienced major damage as a result of winter storms and widespread flooding in recent months. These storms have underscored the importance of disaster preparation, particularly as we face the growing impact of climate change. I am working closely with Governor Mills and her administration to ensure that federal assistance is available for both short term recovery needs and long-term resiliency planning. My staff and I are continually updating my website with new resources and stand ready to answer any questions you may have. My office can also provide more information about the annual Community Project Funding (CPF) process. Each year, Congress enacts appropriations bills that provide the federal government with the funding it needs to operate. CPFs are a critical tool to directly support local governments and nonprofit organizations through federal appropriations. If you know of a project that might be a good fit, I encourage you to keep in touch as more details about the Fiscal Year 2025 funding process become available, as eligibility requirements and limitations can differ from year to year. It is always a privilege to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to my office any time that I can be helpful. Please rest assured that I do not take the responsibility of representing you lightly, and as we move into this new year, I will continue fighting for Mainers on the issues that impact us most. Thank you, and I hope to see you in Maine soon. Sincerely, Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. It is my honor to serve the people of Maine’s First District, and I’m pleased to share some ways that I can support you and your community this year. I know that navigating many federal agencies and programs can be frustrating. One of my most important roles as a Member of Congress is to assist you if you’re having trouble. My office can help to resolve challenges with a wide range of programs, including Social Security, veterans’ benefits, passport renewals, and more. If you need help, please reach out to my Portland office at (207) 774-5019 or visit my website at pingree.house.gov/contact. As you know, communities around Maine have experienced major damage as a result of winter storms and widespread flooding in recent months. These storms have underscored the importance of disaster preparation, particularly as we face the growing impact of climate change. I am working closely with Governor Mills and her administration to ensure that federal assistance is available for both short term recovery needs and long-term resiliency planning. My staff and I are continually updating my website with new resources and stand ready to answer any questions you may have. My office can also provide more information about the annual Community Project Funding (CPF) process. Each year, Congress enacts appropriations bills that provide the federal government with the funding it needs to operate. CPFs are a critical tool to directly support local governments and nonprofit organizations through federal appropriations. If you know of a project that might be a good fit, I encourage you to keep in touch as more details about the Fiscal Year 2025 funding process become available, as eligibility requirements and limitations can differ from year to year. It is always a privilege to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to my office any time that I can be helpful. Please rest assured that I do not take the responsibility of representing you lightly, and as we move into this new year, I will continue fighting for Mainers on the issues that impact us most. Thank you, and I hope to see you in Maine soon. Sincerely, Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. It is my honor to serve the people of Maine’s First District, and I’m pleased to share some ways that I can support you and your community this year. I know that navigating many federal agencies and programs can be frustrating. One of my most important roles as a Member of Congress is to assist you if you’re having trouble. My office can help to resolve challenges with a wide range of programs, including Social Security, veterans’ benefits, passport renewals, and more. If you need help, please reach out to my Portland office at (207) 774-5019 or visit my website at pingree.house.gov/contact. As you know, communities around Maine have experienced major damage as a result of winter storms and widespread flooding in recent months. These storms have underscored the importance of disaster preparation, particularly as we face the growing impact of climate change. I am working closely with Governor Mills and her administration to ensure that federal assistance is available for both short term recovery needs and long-term resiliency planning. My staff and I are continually updating my website with new resources and stand ready to answer any questions you may have. My office can also provide more information about the annual Community Project Funding (CPF) process. Each year, Congress enacts appropriations bills that provide the federal government with the funding it needs to operate. CPFs are a critical tool to directly support local governments and nonprofit organizations through federal appropriations. If you know of a project that might be a good fit, I encourage you to keep in touch as more details about the Fiscal Year 2025 funding process become available, as eligibility requirements and limitations can differ from year to year. It is always a privilege to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to my office any time that I can be helpful. Please rest assured that I do not take the responsibility of representing you lightly, and as we move into this new year, I will continue fighting for Mainers on the issues that impact us most. Thank you, and I hope to see you in Maine soon. 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

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

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. 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

PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Voice)

888-577-6690 (TTY)

FAX: (207) 287-1034

www.maine.gov

ANNUAL REPORT

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 Ray Hamilton (Chair) Nadeau, Mikaela

Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2024

Kathleen Potter

Code Enforcement Officer/Staff Advisor

BUDGET COMMITTEE

Joe Bean

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2025 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, Select Board Liaison Tammy Donovan, Select Board Liaison Town Manager/Staff Advisor

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) Paul Larrivee, Select Board Liaison Town Manager/Staff Advisor

CABLE TV COMMITTEE

Richard Erwin (Chair) Sarah Gusky Kemer

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024

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

CANDIDATE / REFERENDUM ISSUES COMMITTEE

Anne Gauthier-Maurice

Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2025

Penny Hilton Diana Thurston

Library Director, Staff Advisor

CHARTER COMMISSION

Michael Arata Peter Bragdon Lucinda Brakey Linda Chase

Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report

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 Benjamin Tettlebaum Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report Town Manager/Staff Advisor

ANNUAL REPORT COMMUNITY FAIR COMMITTEEE

Peter Bragdon (Chair)

Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Resigned July 2022 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2023

Jennifer Bragdon (Vice-Chair)

Hannah Deem Jessica Farwell Holly Robinson

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

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Karen Asselin Karen Gilles Connie Justice Lado Ladoka Brian Shedarski

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024

Paul Larrivee, Jr., Select Board Liaison Town Planner/Staff Advisor

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Sarah Fitzpatrick

Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2025

Laura Fralich (Vice-Chair) Lauren Jordan (Chair)

Diane Lamson Doug Smith Noreen Williams

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

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

Terry DeWan

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024

Karen Gilles (Vice Chair)

Michael Joyce Donald Libby Jean Libby Nick Planson

Planning Board Representative Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2025

Brian Shedlarski (Chair)

Elizabeth Splane

Paul Larrivee, Jr., Select Board Liaison Town Planner/Staff Advisor

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Robert Cotiaux (Vice-Chair)

Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2022

Carol Gilles Paul Morin

Cecile Rohrbach (Chair)

Colleen Strickler

Dustin Ward, Select Board Liaison Library Director/Staff Advisor Assistance Librarian/Staff Advisor

ANNUAL REPORT PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE

Chris Brassbridge Kimberly Brusseau

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2023

Michael Fralich (Vice-Chair)

Rebecca Klotzle

Kathleen Potter (Chair)

Laura Sturgis

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

PLANNING BOARD

Dan Ellingson

Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2025

Erik Hargreaves (Vice-Chair)

Donald Libby

Jean Libby (Alternate)

Steven Libby

Douglas McAtee (Chair)

Ben Tettlebaum

Ryan Tripp

Town Planner/Staff Advisor

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Linda Chase (Vice-Chair) Karen Gilles (Vice-Chair) Richard Maguire Mikaela Nadeau Nick Planson (Chair)

Term Expires June 2024 Resigned March 2023 Resigned July 2022 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024

Debra Smith

Paul Larrivee, Select Board Liaison Fire/Rescue Chief, Staff Advisor Public Works Director, Staff Advisor

NEW GLOUCESTER DIRECTORS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT #15

Penny Collins Misty Coolidge Gary Harriman Jason Hart Laura Sturgis

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2025

ANNUAL REPORT Town Clerk’s Report

Births……………………………………………………….………52 Marriages……………………………………..…………………..89

Deaths……………………………………………………………...61 Anderson,Amy Sue 05/07/2023

Holmquist,William Wayne 05/03/2023 Hunnewell,Adell Emeline 06/20/2023 Jackson,Stephen W 06/24/2023 Lambert,Judith P 03/14/2023 Lehrman,Theresa Rebecca 09/05/2022 Libby,Fred Irving II 06/12/2023 Lydon,Mark Joseph 12/13/2022 Maclean,Charles Allen 04/18/2023 Martin,Albert Real 12/01/2022 Michaud,Raynald Alexander 05/19/2023 Mikkelsen,Howard Niels 09/30/2022 Moody,Stephen Lawrence 03/13/2023 Mooney,Richard Carter 04/10/2023 O’Wril,Kathleen 12/21/2022 Palmer,Kenneth William 11/09/2022 Philbrick,Mary Rose 12/02/2022 Pulsifer,Melissa D 11/08/2022 Ray,Carroll Webber 09/22/2022 Satchock,Celeste T 09/11/2022 Sawyer,Patricia Ruth 03/25/2023 Schade,Paul Conrad 08/16/2022 Searles,Margaret Viola 01/02/2023 Segars,Linda Louise 02/24/2023 Severance,David Russell 03/17/2023 Slye,Bradford Loren 05/14/2023 Thompson,Brian Lee 11/17/2022 Vasel,Clyde M 12/09/2022 Vosmus,Seth Thomas 08/31/2022 Waterman,Alice 03/26/2023 Wolfson,Kathleen Baker 03/18/2023

Andrews,Clifford Dana 08/16/2022 Bacon,Rosalie Marie 07/19/2022 Baker,George Olmstead Jr. 02/06/2023 Bartlett,Harold W 09/07/2022 Bean,Charles Joseph Sr 12/24/2022 Bernier,Faith Ann 03/27/2023 Berry,Vera 12/29/2022 Brown,Douglas Conrad 09/07/2022 Cahill,John William Jr 12/15/2022 Chandler,Joyce E 12/10/2022 Chisholm,Lisa 05/18/2023 Conger,Lenora 04/01/2023 Cote,Nicholas Patrick 12/17/2022 Darling,Joseph Frank 05/22/2023 DeSalle,Margaret Ann 04/20/2023 Doughty,Bonnie Lee 07/27/2022 Downes,Charles Robert 12/04/2022 Drouin,Randy Allen 07/18/2022 Emery,Sheila Lorraine 07/18/2022 Fellers,Eleanor 02/19/2023 Foss,Joanne 12/28/2022 Foster,Allan William 12/13/2022 Fouquette,Theresa Jolene 02/01/2023 Gagnon,Marilyn Lita 03/09/2023 Gibson,Jackson David 02/09/2023 Giffune,Joseph William Jr 03/12/2023 Gilligan,Jennifer Mildred 10/17/2022 Grant,Jonathan Leo 01/17/2023 Hazlett,Peter Nixon 10/06/2022 Hill, Patricia 06/28/2023

ANNUAL REPORT Town Manager – Letter of Transmittal

Dear Citizens of the Town of New Gloucester, Chair Larrivee, Vice Chair Donovan, and Select Board members Hathorne, Ward, and Strickler: In November of 2022, I was chosen as your new Town Manager. I quickly tried to familiarize myself with many facets of this community. Items that were reviewed by me included; financial statements, warrants, personnel history, departmental concerns, projects in motion, the Charter, and policies and procedures. I quickly learned that New Gloucester has a very committed team of employees. They are quick to respond to requests from taxpayers and residents, provide continued or improved services for the town, and continue to make me proud of the work they perform day in and day out with much dedication. I want to extend a special thank you to each of them for their professionalism, commitment, and hard work. Furthermore, the town has equally dedicated residents willing to serve on committees and offer their skill set on planning and implementing initiatives for the Town. I also want to extend a thank you to each of them for their willingness to serve the Town and, offer their time and talent. I look forward to working with residents, the Select Board and employees to continue to make New Gloucester a great place to live, work and play. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or concerns. I am here to serve each of you.

Respectfully submitted: William H. Kerbin Jr.

ANNUAL REPORT Assessing

2022-2023

TAX RATE: 0.01380 ASSESSMENTS: County Tax

$ 400,779.00

Municipal Appropriation

$5,660,236.00

TIF Financing Plan Amount

$ 342,661.00

Local Educational Appropriation

$5,736,181.00

Overlay

$ 247,653.90

Total Assessments

$1.2387,510.90

DEDUCTIONS:

State Municipal Revenue Sharing

$ 550,000.00

Homestead Reimbursement

$ 343,356.25

BETE Reimbursement

$ 112,915.35

Other Revenue

$2,782,679.00

Total Deductions

$3,788,950.60

Net Assessment

$8,598,560.30

ANNUAL REPORT Code Enforcement

Building Permits Electrical Permits Plumbing Permits

119 112

$85,463.00 $19,930.00 $17,350.00

Total Fees and Permits Collected 329 $122,743.00

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. 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, Rick Haas Code Officer

ANNUAL REPORT Fire & Rescue Department

2023 Fire Rescue Year in Review 2023 was a year of progress for the New Gloucester Fire Rescue Depart ment. Our members responded to a wide variety of calls, trained on many different subjects, and interacted with our community on multiple levels. We had many promotions, and removed many interim tags off of titles within our ranks. The result is a settled, stable leadership team ready to move the department forward to best serve the community. Incident Statistics What stood out in 2023 was the complexity of incidents we responded to. To quote Father Mychal Judge, a chaplain for the FDNY in 2001, “You show up. You put one foot in front of another. You get on the rig and you go out and you do the job—which is a mystery. And a surprise. You have no idea when you get on that rig. No matter how big the call. No matter how small.” Father Judge delivered these words on September 10th, 2001. Fa ther Judge would sadly lose his life a day later at the World Trade Center. In 2023, our members responded to an explosion, which sadly resulted in the loss of life for a beloved community member. In October, mem bers responded without hesitation to assist in Lewiston with a tragic mass shooting, with the biggest concern on their mind being how we can help? Countless times we interact with friends, neighbors, or strangers on what is one of the worst days of their life. We hear them, empathize with them, and help them. That’s what we do. We get on the rig and we do our job. In terms of volume, 2023 was our third busiest year on record, down slight ly from 2022. We finished with 639 calls for service, compared to 681 the year before. This is our fourth consecutive year being over 600 calls for service. Below is a graph showing the breakdown of our last five years, with the last three being our busiest.

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