George McEvoy of Boothbay Harbor is one of 14 being recognized by Lincoln County as a Spirit of America nominee. On Oct. 18, county commissioners in their bimonthly meeting announced nominees received from 12 municipalities. Besides McEvoy, Boothbay Harbor also nominated the Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor. Dresden and Waldoboro also sent double nominations. Dresden selectmen nominated Lincoln County Historical Association and Robin Grant. Waldoboro selectmen nominated Theodore Wooster and Elizabeth Wooster. Other recipients include Pete Tischbein of Alna, Melanie Gilbert of Bremen, John Roberts of Damariscotta, Allison Brooks of Jefferson, Paul Bryant of Newcastle, Frank Hample of Somerville, Bailey Bartlett of Westport Island, and Phil Russell of Whitefield. 

In other action, Lincoln County Communications Center is bringing back a past employee to work part-time. Commissioners unanimously approved Communications Director Tara Doe’s recommendation to rehire Emily Bohan. Doe explained Bohan is currently employed as a full-time emergency dispatcher at another center. “If a dispatcher takes a vacation or a sick day, she is someone who is already certified, and can take right over.” Doe said.  

Commissioners approved renewing an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year 22. Under the contract, Lincoln County’s emergency management agency receives $119,000 for special projects, according to Director Casey Stevens. Commissioners also received an update on the county housing study. Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission entered into an agreement with Camoin Associates for the study.

LCRPC Executive Director Executive Director Mary Ellen Barnes told commissioners the study will cost $39,950. “We expect them to begin with a site visit in December, and have the study completed by February,” Barnes said. “We’re very excited about this. Their previous (Maine) clients include Mount Desert Island, Kennebunk and Carrabasset Valley. They have a good data team studying market supply, demand price ranges, and land use.” The report will also recommend an action plan for Lincoln County to follow regarding strategies to combat affordable housing issues, said Barnes.

Broadband expansion is a another local issue keeping the commission busy. Barnes told about a future grant opportunity called the Maine Connectivity Authority Regional Broadband Partnership. Barnes expects to submit a grant by month’s end to enter into one of the regional partnerships. The MCA  initiative promotes enhancing  “digital connection,” according to Barnes. Regional partnerships across the state would be eligible to seek up to $250,000 in grants for making libraries, recreation centers and schools better connected to the internet. “The state plans on spreading money around for 15 or 16 regional partnerships. The grant would fund a full-time staff person and a stipend for tech support to help people with their cell phones, tablets and other digital devices.

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported Two Bridges Jail Authority needs a new board member. Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Bob Hasch announced his resignation as chief in August, effective Nov. 4.

The commissioners ended their meeting following two executive sessions. One pertained to a personnel discussion. The second regarded a legal discussion. Kipfer reported commissioners took no action following the executive sessions. Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1 in the county courthouse.