There was a strong regional response last month to the explosion at Chasse Marine in Damariscotta as five local fire departments responded. Damariscotta Fire Department was joined by ones from Newcastle, Bristol, Bremen, Nobleboro and Waldoboro. 

The fire departments put out the fire, but other public safety organizations were also involved. Aug. 4, County Emergency Management Agency Director Emily Huber told county commissioners what role her department played after contacting the emergency's incident commander.

 

"We arrived, and set up road barricades to close down the roads and provided water to first responders," Huber said. Lincoln County EMA also participated in tracking firefighter safety. During an incident, firefighters provide tags to staff. "The tags include their names and their responsibilities during the crisis. The tags are collected after an incident by volunteers who track down each firefighter to make sure everyone is safe," she said.

 

Brackett reported the sheriff’s department assisted by closing down roads and providing traffic control while firefighters battled the explosion.

 

In other action, commissioners extended the sheriff's department contract with Sweetser for a behavioral health liaison. The one-year agreement expires this month. The contract allows for an extension through Dec. 31.

 

Commissioners approved three sheriff's department payment authorizations. Commissioners authorized a $6,449.35 payment to Island Tech Services of Wiscasset for equipping a new cruiser. Brackett explained the department’s former vendor Coastal Electronics was recently purchased by Island Tech Services. Commissioners approved a $39,521 payment to Newcastle Key Chrysler for a new cruiser. 

 

Commissioners approved a $7,587 payment to Symbol Arts, LLC for commemorative USA 250 law enforcement badges. Brackett said the badges commemorate the USA's 250 anniversary. Brackett said officers would later purchase their own badges from the department.

 

Commissioners also approved out-of-state travel expenses for two sheriff’s department K-9 officers. Sgt. Jonathan Colby and Deputy Sam Alexander will attend the conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Brackett said dog trainers from Poland, Germany, Czech Republic and the U.S. would provide classroom and hands-on training. Commissioners approved $3,200 for the conference expenses.

 

Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission is providing temporary coverage for Newcastle's vacant town planner position. The commission will provide coverage while Newcastle seeks a replacement. 

 

The commissioners approved transferring $81,041.91 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from a Waldoboro Volunteers of America project to one in Newcastle. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer said the Waldoboro project didn’t use all of their awarded funding given by the county. So, commissioners re-appropriated the remaining funds to a Newcastle affordable housing project.

 

Commissioners approved a $3,025.32 payment to replace a heating control valve in the courthouse. Commissioners are also looking to renovate the LCRPC building downstairs. The plan is to reconfigure the downstairs' heating ventilation and air conditioning system to make it more conducive to office space. Kipfer envisions the downstairs section as possible office space for either a new county flood plain manager or county code officer.

 

Commissioners approved an $8,750 contract with Palermo for Hibbert’s Gore road maintenance for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 in the courthouse.