Recent national data has shown a strong correlation between greater law enforcement presence and reduction in traffic accidents and crime, Chief Deputy Rand Maker of  Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said. Since March, Deputy Mark Bridgham has analyzed local data, and his work has resulted in his being invited to a national conference. On July 7, Maker sought county commissioners’ approval to send Bridgham to the Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Safety Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“His work has gained national recognition, and he was invited to the conference. His lodging and meals are all paid and he will receive 16 hours of training,” Maker said. “The theory behind this data is a stronger police presence reduces speeds which also reduces accidents, and greater presence also deters criminal activity.”  

The department’s only cost is Bridgham’s wages. Commissioners approved the request unanimously. 

In other sheriff’s department business, commissioners approved two contract renewals with Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Maine Pre-trial Services, Inc. Maker reported terms and conditions for both annual contracts remained the same.  Commissioners also renewed annual animal control contracts with Whitefield, Dresden, Jefferson, Wiscasset, Bremen, Boothbay, Alna, Bristol and Nobleboro. Maker reported the department is waiting on responses from five more towns. Maker also reported Animal Control Officer Kayla Demmons of Bristol submitted her resignation.

Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Mary Ellen Barnes received approval to spend $6,232.02 in Brownfield Grant funds for an environmental site assessment of the former A.D. Gray Elementary School in Waldoboro. Ransom Environmental Consulting of Portland is performing phase 2 of an ongoing study for potential environmental issues with the building built in 1936 as part of federal Works Projects Administration (WPA) program. “In preparing the building for either reuse by the town or sale, you want to know what environmental issues to put the town on sound footing whatever they do,” Barnes said. 

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer made two announcements on probate court. This week, the court is holding its first in-person hearing since the pandemic. Kipfer expects the hearing will take three days. “People are reporting at scheduled times for social distancing. Others are waiting in the parking lot, but there are still some continuing with video conferencing,” she said. 

Commissioners hired Toni Loron of Trevett as a probate clerk. Kipfer reported Loron had experience as a paralegal and worked in a law office. Kipfer is also looking to hire another probate court employee if the county receives a New Century Community Grant. The Maine State Archives is offering a $1,500 grant to provide support and resources for archival collection. Kipfer told commissioners she would like to combine the $1,500 grant with approximately $3,000 in unused funds from an unfilled summer county intern position to archive probate records. 

Commissioners renewed five annual recycling contracts with Windsor, Warren, Pittston, Georgetown and Tri-County Solid Waste Management under the same terms as the previous contracts. Kipfer reported each contract is based on the number of runs, distance and time involved. “We’re saving money on diesel because the price dropped, but labor has increased so we are recommending to stay at the same price for another year.”

Kipfer also showed commissioners a proposal to buy an electronic sign for LCRPC. The 16 foot by 5.5 foot sign would show electronic messages in either red or orange letters at the  297 Wiscasset Road location. Commissioners approved seeking a request for proposals.

This was the commissioners’ first in-person meeting since March. Commissioners met at LCRPC as they will do for their next meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 21.