Lincoln County is considering extending its planning services contract with Wiscasset for six months. The contract expires at month’s end with Wiscasset still in need of additional assistance from Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission.

Executive Director Mary Ellen Barnes told commissioners Dec. 5 the two sides had agreed to extension terms. LCRPC would receive $29,000 for six months for continued assistance to Wiscasset for its planning board, ordinance review committee and town manager. “This will give Wiscasset time to figure out how much more assistance they need before their town meeting,” Barnes said. The previous contractual fee for 12 months was for $38,000.

In other action, commissioners approved a $3,150 payment to Training Technologies International of Hampden for a recent Waldoboro Fire Department hazardous materials handling instruction. County Emergency Management Agency Director Maury Prentiss notified commissioners county funds would initially pay for the training prior to receiving state reimbursement.

LCRPC contracted with Maine Connectivity Authority in December 2022 to act as a regional broadband partner serving the Midcoast from Sagadahoc to Knox counties. The commission has worked as a fiscal agent for programs providing broadband outreach. The commission received a $270,000 grant to provide surveys, cyber security training, digital training, internet needs,  and providing outreach at libraries and other local partners. Barnes told commissioners the two-year grant will likely be extended for an additional 13 months. “The $270,000 will continue its work for broadband digital equity and inclusion,” she said. 

Barnes updated commissioners on available broadband funds for local jails in Wiscasset and Rockland. A surplus in a Maine Connectivity Authority grant is being made available for broadband access at Two Bridges and Knox County jails. The grant has an approximately $12,000 surplus which is being used to upgrade technology and education at both county jails. Barnes sought Two Bridges Regional Jail Administrator James Bailey’s recommendation on using surplus funds. “He wants to use the entire $12,000 to replace every computer in the lab,” Barnes said. “Everything new in the lab: monitors and wireless headsets. If you want to teach modern computer skills then you need equipment that is in use today.”

Commissioners re-appointed William Blodgett and County Administrator Carrie Kipfer to continue serving as Maine County Commissioners Association Board of Directors, as representative (Blodgett) and proxy (Kipfer). The two were also re-appointed for the same positions on the MCCA Risk Pool. 

Following the meeting, commissioners held a public hearing on a $100,000 National Digital Equity Center Community Development Block Grant. There is no local match required. Commissioners voted 2-0 to accept the following resolutions required to accept the grant: Fair Housing, Section 504 Self Evaluation and Transition Plan; Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement, Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan, Lincoln County Commissioners and Standards of Conduct.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 in the courthouse.