RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JANUARY 17TH

This is a summary of Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions and Ordinances –

1.     Tax Acquired Redemption – The Council approved this redemption for three properties by a vote of 7-0.

2.     Drug Forfeiture Disbursements – The Council approved the forfeiture money from the state in the amount of $6,986.25 by a vote of 7-0.  This brings the forfeiture fund balance to $27,945.00.

3.     Authorization to submit Maine Municipal Bond Bank Application – The Council approved the town to submit an application in the amount of $1.5 million to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank by a vote of 7-0.  This bond is for paving.

4.     Authorization to Solicit Bids for Road Work – The Council approved this by a vote of 7-0 in order to start the process to pave three streets.  These streets are Bowdoinham Road, Gould Road and Summer Street.

5.     Memorandums of Understanding with Town of Winslow – The Council approved by a vote of 7-0 to have the town enter into the agreement with Winslow for reimbursement for training of a Police Officer.

6.     Salary Survey – The Chairman spoke on this issue but there was no vote by the Council.

Under Other Business – Several Councilors briefed the rest of the Council on meetings that they attend and the subject of each.  Also, the Council received a briefing from the Audit Team on the statues for the ongoing audit.  It is in “DRAFT” at this time so there were no handouts for the audience so we were unable to follow along.  Supposedly, when this goes final the Public will be provided copies of this audit.

Under Appointments – Mr. William Kukl was approved by the Council by a vote of 7-0 and appointed to the Recreation Committee.

Larry Fillmore

 

Lewiston Rotary to Welcome Erin Reed 02.02.17

Lewiston – Erin Reed will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston on Thursday, February 2 from noon to 1 p.m.. Reed is the Executive Director of the Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston. The Jubilee Center is located in the heart of downtown Lewiston and provides food and hope to Lewiston-Auburn residents struggling to make ends meet. The Center is open six days a week and operates five programs: the Meals Program serves 80-100 hot lunches each day; the Food Pantry distributes groceries to 300 families each week; the Day Shelter provides warmth and rest to the homeless; the Resource Center offers a free weekly medical clinic, access to the Center’s phone, fax, and internet, a mailing address for the homeless, donated clothing, household goods, and toiletries, and opportunities for partner agencies to meet with clients or do community workshops; and the Refugee Integration Program helps families from more than a dozen countries access employment, housing, and education. More than 1,000 people are served each week. These comprehensive services not only feed people when they are hungry but help them to address the reasons why they are hungry and become healthier, more stable, and more self-sufficient. In 2016 the Center celebrated its 25th anniversary. FMI on other Rotary programs and events contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov

Bates Business Manager, Edouard Plourde, to Address LA Rotary February 16

 

 

Lewiston – Edouard Plourde will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston on Thursday, February 16 from noon to 1 p.m.  Plourde, a life-long resident of Lewiston, has been actively involved in his community since earning his Economics degree from Providence College.  Ed has served three terms on the city council and was elected council president.  He has served on numerous governmental and not-for-profit boards, and more recently, as past treasurer for the Androscoggin Land Trust.  His current role is as chair of the Auburn-Lewiston Airport.  Plourde is a long-term employee of Bates College having started there as a computer operator/programmer when the finance department had the sole business computer.  Now business manager for dining, events, and conferences, he will describe the scope of food services at Bates.  Plourde holds a CDL driver’s license, a private pilot license, and is a Lieutenant Commander for the Kennebec River chapter of US Power Squadrons.  FMI on other Rotary programs and events contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.

Principal Consumer Credit Examiner, David Leach, Featured Guest Speaker February 23 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, February 23, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, David Leach, will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.  Leach has 29+ years in Maine State Government (Bank & Non-Bank  credit regulation) – Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation – the last 16 with the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection .  Leach spent 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine at Augusta (Banking, Investments, Marketing & Personal Finance).  He is the author or co-author of 15 State of Maine consume protection publications  He holds a B.A & MPA, from University of Maine (Orono).    He is a native of Central Maine (Hallowell & Farmingdale).  Currently Leach is the Principal Consumer Credit Examiner with Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection in Augusta.  No reservation is required to attend.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

ANOTHER COLA INCREASE

Lisbon Proposes a COLA almost seven times that of Social Security. Are You Ready for a Tax Hike?

I was surprised to see Lisbon's proposed budget included an across the board  2% COLA (cost of living allowance) for all employees. 

For 2017 Retired Social Security Recipients receiving the average benefit of $1,355 will get a measly 0.3% COLA raise, starting in January of 2017.  This equates to $5 more in their Social Security checks.

Why is Lisbon giving all employees a COLA percentage rise almost seven times  higher than what our seniors will receive in Social Security COLA? 

  A Lisbon employee making $50,000 a year (many of our employees make more than this)will get $1,000 dollars or 200 times that of the average Social Security recipient.

Giving a 2% cola increase isn't just a 2% raise in employee salaries it is also an increase in all the costs associated with those salaries. (FICA,  retirement, unemployment insurance, workers comp.  etc) 

These COLA payments also compound.  If we  pay a 2% cola this year, it will be 2% on last years income which includes last years  2% COLA.  Ten years of 2% colas  isn't a 20% raise it is almost a 22% raise in income.


Is it morally right to demand retirees, that ONLY get a 0.3% COLA, pay for a 2.0% COLA for all Lisbon employees? Remember some of our employees, when including benefits, make a six figure income.  

 COLA increases were meant for rank and file employees not department heads or salaried individuals.

In conclusion: If we must give a COLA then that raise should be tied to the increase in the cost of living not some arbitrary number. If our seniors get 0.3% COLA raises lets give the same to Lisbon's employees. 

Call your Councilors and ask them if this is fair?

Respectfully
Joe Hill

CORRECTION - Mary Mayhew Featured Guest Speaker January 26 at LA Rotary

 

 

 

Apologies!  To clarify, the venue has changed for the LA Rotary meeting welcoming Commissioner Mayhew on January 26.  It will be held at the Rolandeau’s in Auburn and reservations are recommended for general public and visiting Rotarians.   

 

Lewiston – On Thursday, January 26, at Rolandeau’s Restaurant, 775 Washington Street, Auburn, Commissioner Mary Mayhew will be the featured guest speaker at LA Rotary.  Mayhew was appointed to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in 2011 by Governor Paul R. LePage. She provides leadership, guidance and policy direction to the largest agency in state government – with approximately 3,000 employees and accounting for more than one-third of the state’s budget.

Commissioner Mayhew’s leadership has focused on reforming the state’s welfare programs to encourage self-sufficiency and long-term employment, establishing effective prioritization and financial management practices, halting more than a decade of multi-million dollar budget shortfalls and strengthening support for our at-risk families.  Prior to her appointment, Mayhew was the Senior Health Policy Advisor for the LePage Administration.  She also served as Vice President of the Maine Hospital Association for 11 years.  The public is invited to attend.  Reservations recommended for general public and visiting Rotarians by calling 753.9040.FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Rotary President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP – JANUARY 10TH

This is a brief summary of what took place at Tuesday’s Town Council Workshop.

1.      Salary Survey – The Town Manager asked how much COLA the town employees were going to receive this year.  In the past five years, it has been 2% each year.

2.      Minimum Wage Increase – With the new minimum wage law coming into effect this year, the town was looking to identify personnel and to find a way to implement these changes.

3.     Department Budget Needs – Each of the Department Heads provided a list of what they are looking for this year.  It appears to be a shopping list and will be costly if everything is approved.

4.     Capital Improvement Needs – This is the long term goals for the next five years in order to get an idea of what the town needs to move forward.

This meeting lasted for approximately 3 1/2 hours.  It was extremely interesting and well presented by the Department Heads.  This budgeting year will be very entertaining.

Larry Fillmore

 

Mary Mayhew Featured Guest Speaker January 26 at LA Rotary

 

Lewiston – On Thursday, January 26, at Rolandeau’s Restaurant, 775 Washington Street, Auburn, Commissioner Mary Mayhew will be the featured guest speaker at LA Rotary.  Mayhew was appointed to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in 2011 by Governor Paul R. LePage. She provides leadership, guidance and policy direction to the largest agency in state government – with approximately 3,000 employees and accounting for more than one-third of the state’s budget.

Commissioner Mayhew’s leadership has focused on reforming the state’s welfare programs to encourage self-sufficiency and long-term employment, establishing effective prioritization and financial management practices, halting more than a decade of multi-million dollar budget shortfalls and strengthening support for our at-risk families.  Prior to her appointment, Mayhew was the Senior Health Policy Advisor for the LePage Administration.  She also served as Vice President of the Maine Hospital Association for 11 years.  The public is invited to attend.  No reservation is required.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Rotary President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JANUARY 3RD

This is a summary of the Town Council meeting held on January 3, 2017.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances –

1. Authorization to Solicit Bids for Natural Gas – The Council voted 7-0 to authorize the Town Manager to solicit bids and purchase Natural Gas.
2. Write-Off Real Estate Taxes – The Council voted 7-0 to write off $2,561.54 of taxes on three abandoned trailers.

Under Other Business – The Council discussed several options for the upcoming workshops on January 10th, 24th and 31st.  The topics ranged from Salaries, Dispatching, and several more.  To determine which ones will be discussed on what dates monitor the town web site.  Also, Chairman Ward started a new program by asking Councilors to brief the entire Council on developments in Committee Reports since the last meeting.

Under appointments – The Council has published a 2017 Council Committee Assignments so that residents will know which Councilors will be monitoring which Committee.  If you have questions or concerns, the Councilors listed on the assignment sheet will be the ones to contract for that committee.  Also, Lindsey Larochelle was appointed to the Recreation Committee.

Larry Fillmore

WHAT THE NEW YEAR WILL BRING TO LISBON!

Every year at this time, people are trying to decide what their New Year resolutions will be.  I have been attending Town Council meeting for approximately 5 years.  This is the first year that I have been encouraged by the Town Council.  Five of the seven Councils have demonstrated they have common sense and this is great for the community.

It makes me feel good that the worm has turned and common sense has the majority vote on the Council.  Every resident of Lisbon should be looking forward to positive changes in the coming year.  These five Councilors, I believe have only the best interest of the community at heart.  It is a long time coming, but I believe, these five Councilors will move the town forward for a change.

I do not believe that the excuse “We do it this way because it is the way is always has been done.” will no longer be acceptable.  An example of this is the purchase of police vehicles.  Why are we financing an item that cost $25,000.00 instead of purchasing it outright?  If we do not have sufficient funds to purchase the item why are we buying it?  If the town of Lisbon is in such financial stress that we have to finance $25,000 then the town will never get out of debt.  You do not eliminate debt by increasing it when you do not have to.

Another example is why are we paying over $350,000 for an operation that puts our residents at risk; the individuals operating the center are not qualified as Emergency Medical Dispatcher and are using 353-2500 for emergency situations instead of the state 911 emergency situation?  All 911 phone calls are received by Androscoggin County Dispatch, so why don’t the 911 operator have the authority to call OUR first responders immediately upon receiving the call instead of forcing the 911 operator to contact the Lisbon Communication Center to have them dispatch OUR first responders.  If the 911 operator cannot get through think about the delay in getting first responder to the scene.  This situation has happen on several occasions according to Androscoggin County Dispatchers.

The Recreational Department is having trouble funding the upgrade of the MTM Center playground.  The town is looking to finance a front end loader.  Closing the Lisbon Communication Center will provide sufficient fund to pay for both projects and the police vehicles without financing.  What a concept?

I am looking forward to this year’s Town Council to make great strides in improve our community. 

I want to wish everyone a safe and wonderful New Year.

Larry Fillmore

SPILLER’S & WMCA PARTNERS IN JOB TRAINING PROGRAM

 

 

Lewiston – Western Maine Community Action (WMCA), a partner at the Lewiston CareerCenter, and Spiller’s in Lewiston, recently formed a partnership to offer an On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program.  WMCA provides grant funding to qualified candidates to enter into a training program supported by various businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and more.  An on-the-job training is an incentive based program.  Training is provided by an employer to a paid employee engaged in productive work resulting in knowledge or skills essential to full and adequate performance of the job.  Partnerships are developed through a contract in the public, private non-profit or private sector.  Employers are reimbursed up to 50% of trainee’s wage during the program duration.  “WMCA provides services with assistance by Maine Department of Labor and Business Employment Services (BES), through grant funding to people in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford and Somerset Counties,” shares Patti Saarinen, WMCA Program Site Coordinator in Lewiston.  Pictured (l-r) Linda Roberts, CareerCenter BES Consultant; Kimberly King, OJT Candidate; Diane Kirouac, Spiller’s Controller; and Raymond Martel, Spiller’s President.  FMI on a partnership with the On-the-Job Training program call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.  Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime.

Partnerships Benefit Community Residents

 

Photo Caption:  Members of a Community Partnership Committee consisting of Western Maine Community Action (WMCA), the Lewiston CareerCenter Business Employment Services (BES),  met recently to review schedules and requirements for new training programs slated for January 2017 .  Pictured (l-r, seated) Cathy Stairs, WMCA Employment & Training Specialist; Jennifer Tiner, Assistant Director Lewiston Adult Education; Patti Saarinen, WMCA Program Site Coordinator;  back row:  Christine King, WMCA Employment & Training Specialist and Linda Roberts, BES CareerCenter Consultant.   The programs are geared toward providing courses to income eligible candidates the skills to achieve full time employment with upward mobile job growth and stability in the workforce.    Additional initiative partners include Tree Street Youth, the Root Cellar, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services . Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime.

 

 

Lewiston - Adult Education, WMCA, the Lewiston CareerCenter, City of Lewiston, Community Concepts the John T. Gorman Foundation, and other community partners are collaborating on a number of training opportunities that will provide classroom time, as well as work experience or on the job training.  Candidates from low income, Veterans, and New Mainers are encouraged to apply for these various trainings that will result in the skills necessary to be successful in the workforce and related trades. 

 

Programs for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Construction, Personal Support Specialist (PSS) and Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA) Certificate and Office Skills are scheduled to start the first of the year. Some programs are geared toward a Work Readiness credential and others will include an on-the-job training. 

 

Orientations will be offered at the CareerCenter, 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston throughout January.  Registrations are requested by December 30 for the CNA and Construction programs.  For more information on each program and registration call 753.9001.

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – DECEMBER 20TH

This is a summary of what took place Tuesday night at the Town Council meeting.  This new Council seems to have the community’s best interest at heart.  The Council displayed “common sense” in their decisions and allowed input from the audience before voting.  This provides a slimmer of hope this year.

Under Good News & Recognition – The Council honored the 2016 Lisbon High School Football Team for an outstanding season.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances –

1.     Adoption of GA Maximum Appendix A-F (Second Reading) – The Council voted 6-0 (Council Craft was excused) to adopt the appendix.

2.     Town Departments Christmas Eve Schedule – The Council approved the schedule by a vote of 6-0.

3.     MDOT Third Party Agreements – The Council approved these by a vote of 6-0.

4.     Hasey Street Winter Maintenance – The Council approved to stop maintaining Hasey Street because the town does not own the street by a vote of 6-0.

5.     Brownfield Qualified Engineering Proposal – The Council approved the proposal by a vote of 6-0.

6.     2017-2018 Municipal Budget Schedule – This schedule was approved by the Council by a vote of 6-0.

7.     Street Name – The Council approved the name Fox Knoll Lane for a new road off Mill Street by a vote of 6-0.

8.     2017 OUI Enforcement Grant – The Council approved for the Police Department to apply for this grant by a vote of 6-0.

9.      Medical Marijuana Ordinance Chapter 70-1 & 70-531 (second Reading) – The Council listened to the people for approximately an half hour and came to the conclusion that the proposed ordinance was premature and rejected the proposal by a vote of 6-0.

Under Appointment – Paul Carpentier was appointed by the Council as a Civil Constable by a vote of 6-0.

Larry Fillmore

 

Tim Verrill Featured Guest Speaker January 19 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, January 19, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Tim Verrill, the Network Services & Facilities Manager at Seniors Plus will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.  Verrill has been a Rotarian since 2014. Introduced to computers by his older brother, he started programming as a teenager in high school, submitting games to Compute magazine for extra income, eventually creating an animal judging program for the University of NH. His first major job at Watts Fluidair in Kittery, he learned the business until he became production planner. Discovering much was done by hand, he computerized the department which significantly increased efficiencies and reduced manpower. Moving on to work with the Maine Technical College System, he was instrumental in bringing the Internet to the college system, linking all of the business offices together on a Wide Area Network, and supporting the needs of 7 colleges across the state. For the next 17 years, he worked with Evergreen Insurance in Lewiston as Information Systems Manager to advance their technology environment, bringing their systems up to date and running flawlessly. Now at Seniors Plus, he oversees a department of four skilled professionals, advancing technology & working hard to insure that the staff of 130 people always have the resources they need to perform their jobs. The public is invited to attend.  No reservation is required.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Mary Mayhew Featured Guest Speaker January 26 at LA Rotary

 

 

 

Lewiston – On Thursday, January 26, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Commissioner Mary Mayhew will be the featured guest speaker at LA Rotary.  Mayhew was appointed to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in 2011 by Governor Paul R. LePage. She provides leadership, guidance and policy direction to the largest agency in state government – with approximately 3,000 employees and accounting for more than one-third of the state’s budget.

Commissioner Mayhew’s leadership has focused on reforming the state’s welfare programs to encourage self-sufficiency and long-term employment, establishing effective prioritization and financial management practices, halting more than a decade of multi-million dollar budget shortfalls and strengthening support for our at-risk families.  Prior to her appointment, Mayhew was the Senior Health Policy Advisor for the LePage Administration.  She also served as Vice President of the Maine Hospital Association for 11 years.  The public is invited to attend.  No reservation is required.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

LA Rotary’s Mac McPeake Narrating the Night Before Christmas 12.22

 

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, December 22, veteran and Past-President of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club, Mac McPeake,  will share his annual tradition by narrating the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas during the Rotary Christmas gathering of members, families, friends and guests of all ages.  Plan to join the LA Rotary at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, from noon to 1 p.m. for this very magical and special celebration.  Luncheon is open to the public.  Lunch is available at the Fusion Restaurant for $10.  No reservations are required.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – DECEMBER 6TH

On Tuesday night, the Town Council met and discussed many items and this is a summary of what took place.

The first item of business was to swear in the two new councilors and the councilor that was reelected.  Once this was completed, the new council selected Councilor Allen Ward as the Chair and Councilor Chris Brunelle as Vice-Chair of the Town Council.

Under Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances –

1. Medical Marijuana Ordinance Chapter 70-1 & 70-531 (First Reading) – The Town Council discussed this for over a half hour and came to no conclusion.  They accepted input from residents in the audience.  At the end, there were more questions than answers.  The Town Council schedules a Public Hear for the next meeting.
2. Adoption of GA Maximums Appendix A-F (First Reading) – The Council voted 7-0 to accept the appendix as written.
3. Establishment of the Lisbon Development Committee (Second Reading) – The Council voted by a vote of 7-0 to approve as written.
4. Lisbon Development Committee Bylaws – The Town Council noted that the bylaws did not match the written establishment so they did not take any action except to send this back for review.
5. Designate Council Members to Sign Payroll & School Payroll Warrants – The Town Council voted by 7-0 to accept the guidance of the Town Manager.
6. Loader Bid Award – The Town Council accepted the bid for a loader at a cost of $167,725.00 by a vote of 7-0.

Under Other Business – The Town Council approved for Tracy Steuber to be nominated to the Northeast Economic Developers Association (NEDA) by a vote of 7-0.  Chairman Ward passed out a listing of the goals he would like to see addressed in the New Year.  He encouraged each Councilor to the listing and added anything they wanted.  The Council also setup January 10, 24 & 31st for dates for Workshops to discuss items on the listing.

Larry Fillmore

Auburn Breakfast Rotary Club Presenters

 

12/7/16        Edward Little Chorus

"Fermata NoWhere is an auditioned ensemble of students from Edward Little High School in Auburn. They have established a well-known reputation for excellence with community performances. Their repertoire includes a cappella arrangements of various pop tunes along with classics. All 17 students use their strong skills as musicians to strive for outstanding vocal performances. The group started in 1988 and is currently under the direction of Sarah Brooks. This is Sarah's first year as the Choral Director at ELHS and she is ecstatic to be working with such a brilliant group of students."

-          See attached photo -

-          The Auburn Breakfast Rotary club meets weekly Wednesday mornings at 7:00AM at the United Methodist Church, 439 Park Avenue, Auburn, Me.  For more details contact Jeffrey “Pete” Preble at 207.751.6281.

 

12/14    Erin Reed, Trinity Jubilee

Erin Reed is the Executive Director, Food Pantry Coordinator of the Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston, Me.  The Trinity Jubilee Center addresses unmet needs of underserved people in Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn area through collaboration with local, state, and federal organizations, as well as other agencies and churches. We meet these needs through services that include a Meals Program, Food Pantry, Outreach, a Warming Center, and Refugee Assistance.

The Auburn Breakfast Rotary club meets weekly Wednesday mornings at 7:00AM at the United Methodist Church, 439 Park Avenue, Auburn, Me.  For more details contact Jeffrey “Pete” Preble at 207.751.6281.

 

 

12/21/2016      Emily Dooling Hamilton, Healthy Androscoggin

Emily Dooling Hamilton  leads all tobacco initiatives at Healthy Androscoggin.  Healthy Androscoggin (HA) is a coalition of local people who work locally to improve the health and quality of life in our communities. Healthy Androscoggin is the local comprehensive community health coalition.  Emily provides tobacco education, prevention and cessation programs for Androscoggin County. 

The Auburn Breakfast Rotary club meets weekly Wednesday mornings at 7:00AM at the United Methodist Church, 439 Park Avenue, Auburn, Me.  For more details contact Jeffrey “Pete” Preble at 207.751.6281.

 

12/26/16  No meeting

 

EDUCATING THE PEOPLE

I am ashamed to have to write this article because I feel that our leadership should have been straight forward with the residents of Lisbon.  Unfortunately, previous Town Council’s and the former Chief of Police were less than straight with the community when it came to the Lisbon Communication Center.

The first area is in terminology.  What is the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and how does it affect the residents of Lisbon.  Not many people know this term for what it is but everyone knows it as the 911 emergency systems.  This is the location where all 911 calls for Lisbon are received.  It is located in Auburn at the Androscoggin County Dispatch.

Androscoggin County Dispatch receives all 911 calls for emergency service for Lisbon but they do not dispatch our first responders.  Why you wonder?  It is because previous Town Councils have demanded that instead of the 911 operators dispatching first responders they must contact Lisbon Communication Center so that they can dispatch our first responders.  This current system is fine if the 911 operators can get through to the Lisbon Communication Center but there have been numerous times when the 911 operators cannot immediately get through to the Lisbon Communications Center.  This creates an unnecessary delay in getting first responder to the scene of the emergency.  This is a real problem with a simple solution and that is pay Androscoggin County Dispatch to contact our first responder directly and eliminate the middle step of notifying Lisbon Communication Center prior to dispatching first responders.
I am not saying anything against the Lisbon Communication Center but there is a better and faster way to get our first responders to the scene.  As of October 1, 2016, not one of the dispatchers in the Lisbon Communication Center is even currently as Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD).  This is critical because in a medical emergency only EMD’s are allowed to gather medical information in order to generate an Emergency Medical Code (EMC) which is used by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) to ensure that they have the proper medicine and equipment with them.  This is crucial in order to treat a patient properly.  Without this code, Lisbon resident’s lives are put at risk.

Keep in mind that Lisbon is the only town/city in Androscoggin County and as far as I know the state that is not properly using the 911 emergency correctly and it is costing the taxpayer over $350,000.00 annual.  Previous Town Council determined that by paying Androscoggin County Dispatch to do our dispatching there was at that time a cost savings of $190,000.00 annually to the town.  To me, it makes perfect sense to have Androscoggin County Dispatch perform our dispatching because it means the 911 operators who are also qualified as EMDs can dispatch our first responders immediately upon receipt of the 911 call for emergency services.  It also saves the taxpayers a significant amount of money.  

For the past two years, the Town Council did not take any action on this, knowing lives were placed at risk and that the town could save a great deal of money.  The reason is because it is political.  Maybe our new Council will put what is best for the community ahead of politics. 
Call your Councilors and the Town Manager and express your concerns.  It has cost the taxpayers roughly $380,000.00 tax dollars for the two years the Town Council failed to take action to correct this situation.


Larry Fillmore

DAVIS STREET SIDEWALK

Please take a look at what $30,000.00 buys you when Ryan Leighton is in charge.

WAS IT WORTH IT???????????????????????????????????????????

SUBMITTED BY:  Larry Fillmore