RECAP TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP – JANUARY 31ST

 

This is a very brief summary of last night’s Town Council workshop pertaining to the Lisbon Communication Center.  This workshop lasted close to three (3) and half hours.  It was extremely educational and provided a great deal of information. 

Chairman Ward had Sherriff Samson from Androscoggin County and Martin Fontaine, Communication Director, to explain how the Androscoggin County Dispatch operates and how it can help the community.   Also Chairman Ward invited several Department Heads to explain how the loss of the Lisbon Communication Center would impact them.

Sheriff Samson and Martin Fontaine did an excellent job outlining the procedures that Androscoggin County Dispatch uses and would provide to Lisbon.  Both individuals also answered ALL questions from Council and the audience.  This presentation was both education and filled in a lot of missing information.  However, it did bring out several areas that needed to be addressed about the lack of qualified individual of Lisbon Communication Center.  According to Chief Hagen, there are no dispatchers certified as Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD). 

The EMT representing Lisbon Emergency which has a contract to provide medical support for the community explained how very critical it is for EMTs to have an Emergency Medical Code (EMC) prior to responding to an emergency situation.  The Lisbon Communication Center does not have anyone qualified to establish the EMC.  If you call 911, Androscoggin County Dispatchers are EMD qualified and establish an EMC code and currently pass it along to Lisbon Communication Center for the EMTs.  The current system demands that all emergency situation received by Androscoggin County Dispatch have to be relayed to the Lisbon Communication Center prior to dispatching OUR First Responders to the scene.  This wastes critical time in getting to the patient.  Androscoggin County Dispatchers should be able to dispatch OUR First Responders upon receiving the call for emergency services, the same as it does for the rest of the county they service.  The EMT explained that calls by residents using 353-2500 do not have qualified personnel to establish the critical EMC needed by the EMTs and how having this code increases the chances of survival of the patient.

It appears that ALL the questions for switching to Androscoggin County Dispatch for emergency services have now been answered.  All the questions remaining are for Chief Hagan and how to provide services to the community without the Lisbon Communication Center.  This is not a difficult task since the entire state has gone through this process so there are massive numbers of options available.  I am very positive that Chief Hagan will be able to handle this task without any problems.

During the workshop members of the audience asked if the driving force behind this discussion was money driven.  Trust me on this, when I tell you IT IS NOT MONEY DRIVEN.  There is a cost savings by moving to Androscoggin County Dispatch of approximately $94,000.00 but we all know that the Council will ALWAYS find a way to spend any savings.  There were other members whom tried to confuse the real issues in an attempt to protect former Chief Brooks’ legacy. Finally, one individual objected to change.  It is a fact that technology has advanced and Lisbon, in order to keep up, needs to take advantage of it.

For me it is very simple, the Town Council and all members of the government are tasked with providing a safe environment in which to live.  Anything less than providing the very best possible safe environment is reckless and the town should be held accountable.  The current situation requires the 911 operators to notify the Lisbon Communication Center in order to have them dispatch First Responders is NOT providing the best service available when everywhere else is having the 911 operators dispatching First Responders.  It should be the primary goal of everyone is to provide the best quality of live possible to our people.  This should be the ONLY determining factor in this case and that means having a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) dispatch OUR First Responders immediately upon receipt of a 911 call.

MORE TO COME!

 

Larry Fillmore

TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA - JANUARY 31ST

Auburn-Lewiston Breakfast Rotary Club Presenters

 

Auburn-Lewiston Breakfast Rotary Club    Presenters

February 8, 2017

"Kat Perry is the Program Manager of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Androscoggin, Franklin & Oxford Counties which is a program of the Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services.

Kat has lived in Androscoggin County for over 20 years and has committed the last 25 years of her professional life supporting victims of violence in one capacity or another.

Kat was part of the initial multi-disciplinary team that spear headed the Children’s Advocacy Center movement in the State of Maine back in 2004 and has worked tirelessly ever since to ensure that this collaborative and combined effort with community partner organizations strives for quality assurance and best practices when jointly responding to the initial outcry of child abuse in our communities.

In the past year Kat has inspired over 70 volunteers and donations of over $53,000 in support of a new free standing neutral, child centered space for young victims of violence in our communities to come tell their story and begin the journey of healing." 

Regina Coppens Featured Guest Speaker February 9 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, February 9, Regina Coppens will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Coppens lives in Belgrade and is a member of the League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME) and serves on the Board of the LWVME Education Fund. She also is a member the League’s all-volunteer Lobby Corp and Voter Services Committee. The LWVME is a nonpartisan political organization committed to promoting the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The Lobby Corp is active in the Maine Legislature monitoring and testifying on bills that impact voter rights, voter participation, and elections.  The Voter Services Committee publishes the Voting In Maine voters guides and the annual non-partisan Easy-to-Read Voter Guide which features information about candidates and ballot questions. The committee also participates in voter registration drives around the state, including Naturalization Ceremonies for new U.S. citizens.  Last November, the LWVME was a lead endorser of Question 5, the citizen initiative to enact Ranked Choice Voting in Maine.  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 President-Elect and Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

LISBON COMMUNICATION CENTER

This coming Tuesday night, January 24, 2017, our Town Council will conduct a workshop pertaining to the Lisbon Communication Center.  The start time is 06:00 PM which is an earlier start time than normal meetings/workshop.  The last time, the Lisbon Communication Center was discussed was on October 6, 2015.

 At that time, the Town Council received a dog and pony show orchestrated by the Police Department.  This dog and pony show was filled with misinformation and false statements.  The reason it was allowed to happen is because of politics.  At no time did the members of this dog and pony show verify their facts and certainly did not have the best interest of the community at heart.  This is apparent by the FACT that all 911 calls received by the Androscoggin County Dispatch have to be relayed to the Lisbon Communication Center before our First Responded can be dispatched.  If they could not reach the Lisbon Communication Center, First Responders do not get dispatched to the scene.  I personally visited the Androscoggin County Dispatch and talked to the two operators on duty and they both said there were numerous times they could not reach the Lisbon Communication Center, the first time. This delay makes the town liable for the results of this delay.

I hope that the Chairman of the Town Council or the Town Manager has invited Sheriff Samson or Martin Fournier to attend this workshop to sort out what is true and what is false.  The Town Council needs to have all the FACTS before making any conclusions. 

The primary focus should be on improving the quality of life of our people by having Androscoggin County Dispatch or another Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) provide dispatch to Lisbon.  This would mean that when a request for emergency services (911 calls) is received the 911 operator will immediately contact our First Responders and not have to relay the call to the Lisbon Communication Center.  The current system puts our people’s lives at risk. Eliminating the middle process expedites the process and gets our First Responders on the scene more quickly.  In an emergency, time is the most critical factor. 

There is another advantage to having Androscoggin County Dispatch dispatching our First Responders and that is the elimination of the Lisbon Communication Center saving the town approximately

$200,000.00 tax dollars!  This is a significant cost savings for the community.

Call you Councilors and ask to have representatives of the County attend this workshop so the community gets ONLY FACTS and not misinformation.

Larry Fillmore    

 

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.