ISSUE: A Discovery Research Program Grant application to the Maine Arts Commission by New Gloucester was accepted with funding contingent on partnering with Gray.

SCOOP: Resident Deborah Smith who spearheaded the application told selectmen the grant should be declined because New Gloucester’s plans are very different than Gray’s. She recommended the scope of the plan be reduced to support a local initiative for $7,500.

WHAT’S NEXT: Selectmen approved the revised plan. Other grant sources will be sought and a volunteer committee will work toward developing an inventory of New Gloucester’s arts and creative economy.

New recreation committee

ISSUE: Dissension among the New Gloucester Parks and Recreation, the Fairgrounds Committee and the Community Fair Committee last summer and fall over development of recreation areas.

SCOOP: All three committees will be dissolved.

WHAT’S NEXT: A newly formed Parks and Recreation Committee will be responsible for all property development and management, and all programming and events on any town property designated for active or passive recreation. The committee will have a minimum of nine members appointed to three-year terms. Members of the three previous committees may seek appointment.