Southport and Damariscove Island are among Fort Baldwin’s neighbors being warned about the possible existence of decades-old unactivated munitions in the Kennebec River. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer shared information from an Army Corps of Engineers warning to the fort’s surrounding communities. Fort Baldwin is in Phippsburg.

On Sept. 6, Kipfer shared an ACE letter explaining safety concerns for communities, mostly located in Sagadahoc County, and a few others, in Lincoln. Kipfer explained the facility was active in 1905-1924 and 1941-1949 as a coastal defense facility. “They sent a letter notifying nearby property owners of outdated and unactivated munitions. The Corps believes most are located below ground surface and want to educate people. The warning tells residents what to look for and who to contact,” she said. 

In other action, commissioners approved three purchase orders requested by County Emergency Management Agency Director Casey Stevens. Two impact the county’s AM radio site. A Homeland Security Grant partly pays for the $8,037.76 solar power system. He added this was the third installment of a three-year payment plan and the county will use capital reserve funds to pay the balance.  A Homeland Security Grant is paying the entire bill for a 500-watt radio transmitter. The purchase order is for $12,365. The third purchase order is $6,000 for shelter equipment for 50 people. “This buys 10 bariatric cots, linens and storage,” he said.   

Commissioners heard there were no issues with the 2021-22 county audit. In a conference call with Justin Berg of Berry, Talbot and Royer, he explained his findings. “You’re in pretty good shape and management does a nice job. There are no concerns,” he said. 

The Communications Center is looking for a new 911 emergency dispatcher. Communications Director Tara Doe reported Kyle Greene submitted his resignation as a full-time dispatcher. “But he will remain as a reserve which is good news,” she said. 

Commissioners reached an agreement with Palermo for road maintenance work for Hibberts Gore Township. Commissioners agreed to pay $5,500 for snowplowing, sanding, salting and paving for 2021-22. Next year, the agreement calls for $6,000. Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission also received approval to pay Ransom Consulting of Portland for consulting services. Ransom provided services on a Brownfield Grant project in Waldoboro. Kipfer reported the Environmental Protection Agency will reimburse the county $6,013.75 for services regarding the cleanup of the former Friendship Street School.

The county reached an agreement to rent sheriff’s department office space to Maine Department of Corrections for parole and probation issues. The department previously rented space at the former county jail for $9.75 per square foot. When the current lease expired, DOC officials agreed to an increase to $10.75 and requested an upgrade to the building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to meet agency standards. County officials declined to agree to the upgrade due to concerns about the expense, according to Kipfer. “We have an agreement. They agreed to pay $10.75 per square foot, and, if we agreed, or if we upgrade the space, it will be to their requirements,” she said. 

Last month’s courthouse power failure impacted the backup generator and air-conditioning system. Kipfer reported the generator’s control panel isn’t properly functioning. “It won’t reset automatically, only manually,” she said. The county can operate emergency outlet feeds, radio tower and 911 phones with the two remaining generators. “If one of those goes down then it will be a problem,” she said. “We’re working on a backup system, and hopefully have someone here this week.”

The air-conditioning system is an older system and the chiller needs replacing. Kipfer reported the model is no longer manufactured. “Spare parts aren’t available. We’re contacting Siemens to see what’s available,” she said.

The meeting ended after two executive sessions. One regarded a personnel issue. The second was for a legal discussion. Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 in the courthouse.