Skowhegan board backs rec-hospital partnership, dam talks to continue

The Skowhegan Select Board endorsed a wellness partnership between the recreation department and Reddington Fairview General Hospital, approved several equipment and sewer spending items, and adopted updated general assistance guidelines. The board also discussed how to educate the public about the possible transfer and removal of local dams, agreeing to keep the topic on a future agenda. New Town Manager Aaron Miller, seven days into the job, gave his first report.

Key points

• The board endorsed a partnership between the Skowhegan recreation department and Reddington Fairview General Hospital to offer health and wellness programming at the community center, filling gaps left by the hospital pool closure.
• The board voted to release the town's interest and first right of refusal in the property at 57 Meadowview Road (Map 8, Lot 21-4), with one member abstaining after declaring a conflict of interest.
• The board approved spending from capital reserves for JCB backhoe repairs (not to exceed $4,488.43), a five-year extended warranty on the new 2026 loader ($6,210), Pleasant Street drainage work ($72,650, with 50 percent reimbursed by a state grant), and sewer cleaning and camera work on several streets ($24,500, bid process waived).
• The board adopted updated state general assistance guidelines, which Town Manager Aaron Miller said keeps the town compliant and preserves 90 percent state reimbursement.
• Town Clerk Gail reported heavy absentee ballot activity and raised concerns about the workload of the combined clerk, treasurer, tax collector, and motor vehicle position, urging public hearings on whether to make it appointed rather than elected.
• During public comment on the dams, residents and board members called for a series of educational workshops or forums with all parties, including Brookfield, the Nature Conservancy, SAPPI, and scientists, rather than a single meeting.

Next steps

• The board will revisit the dam discussion at a future meeting, with a proposal for public engagement options and rescheduling invited speakers.
• Town Manager Aaron Miller and the clerk will report back on the elected versus appointed clerk/treasurer question, with a possible first public hearing by the end of October.
• A future workshop will be scheduled on conservation efforts for the Whitton and Curry Brook watershed.
• The front office will close from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on September 30 so staff can attend a funeral.
• Minutes from the September 8 meeting will be updated and signed at the next meeting.

Read the full transcript