NEW GLOUCESTER – Fire and rescue staffing, emergency turnout gear and a paid recreation director were among the goals listed by town officials Monday night.

Selectmen called the meeting to listen to the short- and long-term needs identified by eight departments and committees.

Some projects will be forthcoming and others won’t make the grade, said selectmen’s Chairman Steve Libby.

Three major priorities for fire and rescue services are staffing, stations, transport ambulance and equipment, Deputy Fire Chief Gary Sacco said. Recruitment efforts are needed to respond to the decline in volunteers, the need for mutual aid and shortage of personnel at calls, he said.

An effort to partner with several towns to buy a ladder truck is needed. Emergency medical service turnout gear is needed within the next five years at a cost of $700 per set for up to 15 volunteers, Rescue Chief Mary Rich said.

Within a year, the town’s volunteer Recreation Commission wants to improve the walking track at the New Gloucester Fairgrounds, have organized tennis and basketball at the Rowe Station Road recreational facility and organized soccer at Memorial School.

Within 10 years a community center for adults and families, a day care for adults and children and a paid recreation director are proposed.

Jean Libby, who chairs the Planning Board, said ordinances need to be updated to eliminate inconsistencies and errors. She said effective enforcement techniques need to be in place to eliminate violations. Acquiring public access to Sabbathday Lake is also needed, she said.

The town’s library anticipates growth in the next 15 years as the population and demand for information and services increases. Within five years the building will need painting, both inside and out. Roof repair is needed. Computers will need to be replaced to keep pace with technological advances. Any future expansion of the library requires an addition or expanding to the basement, which must be handicapped accessible.

Public Works Director Willard Waterman said a new 5,000 gallon diesel fuel tank and 1,000 gallon gasoline tank with pump island and roof is needed soon at Upper Gloucester.

And a truck and equipment wash bay for highway and Fire Department use is needed.

The fleet of heavy duty plow/sander trucks will be increased to seven. And, the town needs to maintain two one-ton trucks with plows and sanders.

Town Planner James Isaacson said local ordinances are not user friendly.

More education for developers and landowners is needed to abate code enforcement issues. Computerized mapping through global information systems is needed twice annually.

The New Gloucester Fairgrounds Committee is developing a five-year plan for the 31-acre former horse training track on Bald Hill Road that was purchased last year.

“Our immediate concern is to make the facility as safe as possible. A staged plan for annual improvements of that property in five to 10 years requires sufficient funds,” said John Green. A request of $25,000 will be sought for the 2004-05 budget for a capital reserve, he said.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.