Waterville council advances Quarry Road grant, EMS drug vault purchase

The Waterville City Council approved a grant-funded seasonal outdoor recreation coordinator for Quarry Road and authorized up to $15,000 from the fire department's cost recovery account for DEA-compliant medical vaults. Councilors also heard a detailed briefing on November election procedures and a presentation on the city's investment accounts.

Key points

• Councilors voted 7-0 to accept amended grant funds supporting a seasonal outdoor recreation program coordinator at the Quarry Road Recreation Area.
• A second reading amending the zoning map for Veteran Court passed 7-0.
• The council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Friends of Quarry Road for the coordinator position, with thanks noted to the Alfond Foundation.
• The fire chief said new DEA rules require the department to store controlled substances itself after MaineGeneral stops managing drug boxes for EMS agencies on October 31; the council approved up to $15,000 from the cost recovery account for EMS Logic vaults.
• City Clerk Patty briefed the public on November 3 voting at Thomas College, absentee voting starting October 5, a new ballot drop box behind City Hall, and a free Colby College voter shuttle.
• A financial advisor reported the city's undesignated funds hold just over $2 million and generated nearly $52,000 in income through July, up from about $11,000 three years ago.

Next steps

• The fiscal year 2025 audit presentation is scheduled for October 20.
• A city council workshop on the next budget process is set for October 14 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.
• The city manager said impact task force subgroups will give a presentation at the next meeting, and ordinance changes on outdoor dining and mobile food trucks are coming forward.
• The city will draft a position description for an economic and community development role before posting it.

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