A giant pool of ping pong balls may be found in Adams Pond as part of environmental hazmat (hazardous materials) training. Aug. 3, Lincoln County commissioners approved a request for a matching $5,000 disaster preparedness training grant from Volunteer Maine. County Emergency Management Agency Director Casey Stevens told commissioners the grant would be used in conjunction with Boothbay Region Water District.

“We would construct an oil boom to control a spill. Since we can’t use oil, ping pong balls would be used as they float and react to wind in a similar manner,” he said.

Stevens also received approval to reject all bids received last month for equipment replacement. Stevens now wants to buy more equipment for the safety task force. A lighter, mesh ballistic vest is among the desired equipment. Stevens described the vest as more appropriate for the task force which responds to violent traumatic incidents.

In other action, the sheriff’s department is within three hires of a full staff. Commissioners conditionally hired two new officers: Owen Beattie of Vermont and Kasey Doyle of Litchfield. Beattie, a Unity College graduate, was recommended by Deputy Jerold Winslow who met him in college. Doyle is a Westfield (Massachusetts) State graduate who studied criminal justice. Chief Deputy Rand Maker told commissioners Doyle received praise from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst police department where she volunteered. Commissioners conditionally approved both hirings until background checks are completed.

Maker reported another deputy is departing. Michael Godin, who was hired a year ago, is leaving for a job with Rockland Police Department. These staff changes leave the department with three vacant deputy positions.

Commissioners approved annual animal control contracts with Wiscasset, Damariscotta, Jefferson and Waldoboro. Maker reported the department is waiting for Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Somerville, Dresden and Alna to respond.

Commissioners also unanimously approved a 4.46% contract increase to four Kennebec County towns for emergency dispatching services. Pittston, Farmingdale, Randolph and West Gardiner use Lincoln County Communications Center’s dispatching services. Communications Director Tara Doe described all four towns as “happy” with the center’s performance. “The department had an overall budget increase of 4.46% so we just added that to the Kennebec contract for next year,” she said.

Commissioners approved paying $4,500 to Palermo for last year’s maintenance on Hibberts Gore Road in the county’s lone unorganized territory. Palermo Public Works provides road plowing, grading, sanding and salting. Commissioners also approved a $1,000 increase to Palermo for Fiscal Year 22.

Lincoln County Recycling is looking for a new employee as Elroy Russell has retired. Russell worked several years as a bailer operator and coordinated placing the bales on trucks. His last day is Aug. 13. Commissioners approved of buying more bailing wire for $6,458.96 from New England Bailing Wire in Brockton, Massachusetts.

Commissioners approved hiring Nicole Gilbert of Bristol as the new County District Attorney legal secretary. She replaces Christine Esler who was hired last month.

The meeting ended with two executive sessions. One resulted in granting an employee a medical leave of absence and the other resulted in accepting Cheryl Murray’s resignation effective Aug. 6.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17 in the county courthouse.