Government at a Glance

Board: Mechanic Falls Town Council

Met: Monday night

Dispatch center 

Issue: County commissioners are trying to come up with a plan that provides adequate suitable emergency dispatch services throughout the county. 

The scoop: County Commissioner Jonathan LaBonte told councilors that while there will be nothing in this year’s proposed county budget, commissioners are working toward a plan for a single emergency dispatch center to serve all of the county’s 14 municipalities.

Up next: LaBonte said commissioners would probably create an oversight committee next year to guide progress, first determining how the dispatch center would be organized. He expects dispatch will be its own department, separate from the sheriff’s office. 

School transfer

Issue: Now that the town has joined Minot and Poland to form Regional School Unit 16, it must, in compliance with school consolidation law, transfer ownership of school property to the school unit.

The scoop: The council authorized town manager John Hawley to sign the property deed for Elm Street School with land from Elm Street back to Waterhouse Brook. The town will retain an easement so it can use a portion of the property along Highland Avenue for a snow dump.

Maple Street fire

The scoop: Councilors commended the Fire Department and responding mutual aid fire departments for doing an exceptional job given the circumstances, with a recent fire at the corner of Maple and South Main streets. Hawley was directed to write a letter of commendation.

Recycling grant

The scoop: Hawley announced the town has received a $500 grant to promote recycling at the transfer station. The grant will be spent on educational materials to help townspeople with their recycling efforts.

Charter Commission

Issue: The Town Charter needs to be amended to account for the town’s entry into RSU 16.

The scoop: In November, voters elected six citizens to a new Charter Commission: Oliver Emery, Peter Ford, Mike Needham, Larry Newth, Randy Plummer and Gary Purington. Monday night, this council named three citizens to complete the nine-member commission. Named were Jennifer Boenig, Bill Diehl and Roger Guptill.

Town Office hours

The scoop: The council approved changes in Town Office hours for the holidays: on Wednesday, Dec. 23, the office will be open 7:30 a.m. to  noon; on Thursday, Dec. 24, open 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., and closed for the remainder of that day and for Friday Dec. 25.

–  Winslow Durgin