At the Lincoln County Commissioners meeting on Nov. 1, the commissioners accepted the bid offer of Ron Beaulieu to do the county’s audit. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer said Beaulieu’s bid came in 30 percent lower than last year’s audit cost. She also said the county’s insurance covered most of the cost of the boiler that failed last summer, and paid $3,026 for the repair. The county will have to pay the $1,500 deductible only.

Some improvements to the Sheriff’s Department patrol room, already budgeted for this year, will get a boost from an MMA Wellness and Safety Grant in the amount of $812.71 for new ergonomic work stations. In addition, plans call for storage lockers, a new computer, and new carpeting and paint. Commissioner Mary Trescot will also be getting a new ergonomic chair.

The county is working toward its wellness goals, with lectures on eating whole grains and whole foods, clearing clutter, and chair massage, reflexology sessions, acupuncture, and mini facials at no charge to county employees. The county will also be investing in “Fitbits,” watch-like devices that count steps, encouraging employees to walk more and take the stairs. Kipfer said she could envision friendly competitions between employees.

According to Sheriff Todd Brackett, there are currently 164 inmates at Two Bridges Regional Jail, with 39 from Lincoln County and 32 from Sagadahoc. There are four federal inmates, two state inmates, 28 Waldo County, 20 Kennebec County, and 39 Oxford County inmates.

Don Loprieno of Friends of Colonial Pemaquid discussed the group’s proposal to the state. The historic site is under the auspices of the Department of Lands and Parks, and has a part-time site manager and a few summer employees. The Friends group wants to lease the site from the state, expand the season and make a number of improvements.

Loprieno said he could envision Colonial Pemaquid in Bristol being a year-round tourist attraction like Plymouth Plantation or Mount Vernon, both of which are operated by nonprofits. Among the improvements Loprieno outlined were finishing the village project, a replica of a 17th century village, of which only one building has been begun. He said he would want to hire some full-time, year-round staff, keep the site open throughout the year, replace the museum with a newer, heated building, and continue the living history and excavations currently under way. He said the sticking point appears to be the group’s request to take half the rents from the restaurant on the site, the Contented Sole. Loprieno asked the commissioners to write a letter of support for the project to the governor’s office. The commissioners said they would do it.