SELECT BOARD MEETING AGENDA/MINUTES
07/07/2026
Selectperson, David Bright (2027) Clerk, Julie Bonin
Chair, Serena Bemis(2028) Treasurer, Shirlene Lindsey
Selectperson, John Barry(2029) Public Works Director, Tim Rogers
Present-Serena Bemis, David Bright, John Barry, Shirlene Lindsey, Julie Bonin,
Absent- Tim Rogers
Others present-Margarete Ebel, Lois Rowe, Sandy & Joe Cromwell, Beth Swartz, Ryan Hopkins, Dude Hopkins, Susie Hopkins.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER - FLAG SALUTE- Serena opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS – Penobscot County Sheriff Contract. See under Misc.
APPROVE MINUTES – JUNE 16, 2026, Minutes- A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as written. The motion passed unanimously.
WARRANTS- A. Payroll- #22-$9,233.09
B. Accts. Payable- #23-$162,545.54
The Board reviewed and approved the warrants. The board signed the warrants.
OLD BUSINESS-NONE
PUBLIC WORKS- Due to Tim’s absence there was no report.
David had a question concerning the letter being sent to UARRC..David expressed that he is a little confused about the process with the UARRC letter. It was explained that a letter has to be sent to UARRC before December 31 informing them that the prospect of withdrawing from UARRC will be brought to and voted on by the Dixmont residents at the Annual Town Meeting. Beth Swartz expressed her concerns and suggestions. It was suggested having an informational meeting before the Town Meeting bringing in someone from UARRC and someone from the Hampden Facility to answer questions. It was suggested to post a survey requesting questions and concerning that people have so the Board will have the answer to them before any meeting.
PUBLIC SAFETY- Ryan said they were “ just plugging along”. Cautioned to keep track of the Elderly during while it’s so hot.
H.U.D UPDATE- Serena said there were no updates. She has called and emailed with no response. Ryan asked about the “vernal pool problem” and Serena said that has been resolved.
MISC/PUBLIC COMMENT—
PENOBSCOT SHERIFF CONTRACT- The contract for the Penobscot Sheriff for police coverage was dropped off for the Board to approve and sign. A motion was made and seconded to authorize the Chair to sign the contract. $25,000 yearly running from July to June which will be billed monthly. The contract may be terminated by either party by a 30 day notice. Sheriff will email times and schedule. The town can contact the Sheriff Dept. with problem areas if a concentrated effort is desired in those areas.
A question was asked concerning the Facebook post about the gentleman that came to the office very unhappy about the flags hung on the telephone poles not be illuminated. Julie explained that she was the one responsible for the post and her reasoning.
Janice explained she is still having issues with the neighbor’s dog coming to her land.
Janice asked a question concerning the Grant for the Fire Station. It is her understanding that there needs to be matching funds. Serena explained when the grant was first applied for it was matching fund, but it being H.U.D. now there really isn’t a matching fund, but because they gave the town a specific amount and we know it’s going to be a little bit more, we do have to come up with some funds, but not $700,000. Serena is in hope not more than $300,000, but is concerned about the time frame as the concern of increased material costs.
Janice asked for an update on the Rte143/Scott property. The board gave an update of what is known.
Janice asked what the status was on moving forward on other properties. David said “lets get the Property Management Ordinance passed”
10. SELECTBOARD CONCERN:
A. David- none
B. John- none
C. Serena- none
11. ADJOURN MEETING –Meeting adjourned at 6:56pm