A question on how the public perceives local enforcement resulted in a brief discussion Aug. 18 about Sheriff Todd Brackett’s plan to possibly create an advisory group. County Commissioner Mary Trescott asked Brackett about an Aug. 17 rally in Springvale expressing support for law enforcement. On the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Maine Trump supporters organized a “Defend the Police” rally in response to other protests around the country calling to defund the police. 

Brackett responded that overall he believed local support for the sherff’s department is “overwhelmingly positive,” but he is considering forming a community group to review law enforcement policies and practices. “I think we are fortunate how we are perceived here, but we are still looking for ways to evolve,” Brackett said. “Finding ways to become more transparent, and I’d like to form a committee with civilians which could help us foster trust in what we are doing.” 

In other action, commissioners approved Brackett’s request to accept a $5,000 grant to help the department enforce underage drinking laws. Dirigo Safety, an Auburn nonprofit consisting of active and retired law enforcement officers, investigators and attorneys providing on-site training, provided the grant.

Brackett also announced a resignation in the department’s transport division. Julie Groleau resigned to spend more time at home. “She is a mother and worried about COVID-19. She has decided to homeschool her daughter,” Brackett said. “She could’ve taken a leave of absence, but instead decided on this option.”

Commissioners also approved Brackett’s recommendation to hire a third animal control officer. Commissioners voted 3-0 to hire Kassi Gilbert of Newcastle. 

Another new hire is on her way to Lincoln County. Commissioners approved hiring Emily Rabbe of Sound Beach (Long Island), New York to fill the vacant county planner job. Rabbe was one of four candidates interviewed by the search committee. Rabbe and her husband are seeking to buy a home in Maine. Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Mary Ellen Barnes reported Rabbe’s husband is also starting a new job in Maine. “He works for Avangrid, which is CMP’s parent company. So they are looking for a place in between Wiscasset and his new job. So we won't know her start date for a few days,” she said.

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported the new electronic sign for the LCRPC building will arrive Sept. 15. She also informed commissioners about a gift from Whitefield Historical Society. The gift is a sealer which marks documents “Lincoln Municipal Court.” Commissioners believed the sealer likely belongs to the town Lincoln and directed Kipfer to see if the northern Penobscot County town is interested in the item.

Commissioners appointed an East Boothbay woman to the Midcoast Maine Community Action board. Martha Booth, a retired special education support teacher, will be the board’s newest member. Booth has been an active volunteer with several Boothbay region organizations such as BRYMCA, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay Region Land Trust and Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. 

Commissioners granted Lincoln County Historical Association’s request to restore the gazebo at the Old Jail grounds in Wiscasset.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1 in the LCRPC building.