Contract with PM Construction Co., Inc.
This week I assembled the contract for the work to be done by PM Construction Co., Inc. renovating and expanding the fire rescue station. The contract is now signed and in effect. We have also notified Mechanics Savings Bank that we will be accessing bond anticipation note funds soon. I understand that the contractor is already working with MDEP on the permitting, and because MDEP views this project as relatively uncomplicated, the permitting process may take only a month.
Town Office Energy Improvements Project
The contract for energy efficiency improvements to the Town Office building has also been executed, and the project is expected to commence on Monday, September 24th with removal of old insulation. If possible, the contractor, Biosafe Environments, will access the attic from the exterior of the building to reduce impact on employees and the public’s business. Old insulation will be removed from ductwork, and new insulation, including spray foam, will be installed in the attic area. We are told that we will hear the workers “like mice in the attic” and smell an odor as the spray foam is blown in, but we have been assured that the product is a “green” product not harmful to people. The total project will be completed within two weeks.
Town Hall Sprinkler System Project
Freedom Fire Protection has been diligently installing the sprinkler system at the Town Hall. We are told that there is about a week’s worth of work yet to be done, but they are waiting for the delivery of the sprinkler heads. The company occasionally works at another project site as they wait for the delivery of equipment for our Town Hall project. Although the specific completion date of our project is unknown at this time, the project will most likely be done by the end of September.
Road Projects
I am happy to report that all Poland’s FY13 road improvement projects, including crack-filling, paving, and centerline painting are complete. The Public Works crew will soon work on Lewiston Junction Road shoulders. It is truly satisfying to know we are making improvements to the Town’s infrastructure, as we also enhance safety of local roads at the same time. My thanks are extended to all those who make these capital projects possible, including the taxpayers of Poland, elected officials, the contractors, Auburn Water & Sewer District, and the Poland Public Works Department.
Regular maintenance continues on other roads that have seen damage due to inadequate drainage systems. The crew has spent substantial time over the past week on Cleve Tripp Road ditching and making other drainage improvements.
The Poland Public Works Department hosted training for backhoe operation at the Public Works garage facility on Thursday, September 13th. The training was well attended by several departments in the area. It is a pleasure for us to host such training and receive benefits from it at the same time.
Route 26 Crosswalk
A citizen who operates a daycare facility on Route 26 across the street from Poland Community School has asked the Maine DOT to move the existing crosswalk, so it crosses Route 26 (Maine St.) directly from her property to the school for the safety and convenience of the numerous school-aged children she cares for. MDOT has agreed to meet with her and representatives from the RSU and Town next Monday morning at 11:30, and I will attend that meeting on behalf of the Town.
Portland Pirates
Christian Ouellette, Account Executive for Group Sales for the Portland Pirates, contacted me with information about special group experiences available for people in this region when the Pirates play six home games at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston. I have attached the information Mr. Ouellette sent to my report, for the Board of Selectmen’s information. I think the question is whether the Town would sponsor/pay for group event(s) for town employees and/or volunteers. There is no funding identified for this opportunity in the Town’s budget this year, however.
Shannon Shanning – Maine Teacher of the Year
I want to express my personal congratulations and joy to Shannon Shanning on her being named Maine’s Teacher of the Year. She is obviously a fabulous teacher, and I am honored to know her and be a part of a community that fosters such professionalism in its educational system. The residents of the three communities that comprise RSU 16 should all be very proud and grateful to be associated with this fine person and level of excellence.
Realtors’ Proposals
This week I opened six proposals from Realtors that would assist the Town when it strives to dispose of real property. I am in the process of reviewing the proposals and writing a proposal summary, and I intend to present my recommendation to the Board of Selectmen at its October 2, 2012 meeting. The following companies submitted proposals: 1) Better Homes & Gardens, Auburn, ME; 2) ERA Worden, Auburn, ME; 3) Fontaine, Auburn, ME; 4) George Greenwood, Poland, ME; 5) Maine Source Realty, Auburn, ME; and 6) Meservier & Associates, Auburn, ME.
Meeting w/Andrea Quaid, Congressman Michael Michaud’s Area Representative
This week, Congressman Michael Michaud’s local representative, Andrea Quaid, stopped by to introduce herself to me and discuss issues of interest to the Town of Poland. We had a very pleasant visit, which I anticipate will lead to open dialogue about public issues at the Federal government level.
Emergency Operation Plan Update
I held a meeting with local Emergency Management Director, Wayne Cotterly, Fire Chief, Mark Bosse, and myself to kick off the process of updating the Town’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). The Plan has not been revised for about twenty years, and it should be updated and re-adopted by the Board of Selectmen annually. As people and other emergency management resources, training requirements, contact information, shelters, and communications change, so must the EOP. In order to be fully prepared to address an emergency that activates the EOC (Emergency Operations Center), the information in the plan needs to be current to enable easy access to resources. The process to gather up-to-date information has already begun, and the group will meet again in a month to review how much has been accomplished and what remains to
be done. Once the plan has been fully updated, it will be presented to the Board of Selectmen for adoption. The revised plan will be used to assist personnel in doing table-top and other preparedness exercises, as well as a guide during actual emergencies.
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