Lincoln County Commissioners approved several grant application requests Tuesday from the Emergency Management Agency and Lincoln County Planning Commission.

The EMA grants are Homeland Security grants and would total almost $80,000. The funds would continue the process of replacing the analog radios with digital. This year's plan is to replace the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office radios.

Funds would also be used to buy a portable telescoping tower for the Amateur Radio Team, uniforms and SCUBA tanks for the Decon Strike Team and Search and Rescue teams, get help from the planner for grant writing, and a mass notification system, possibly an AM radio station that would be activated during emergencies, countywide.

The Planning Commission grants are Coastal Community funds for Waldoboro, Southport and Monhegan. The Waldoboro grants would be used to buy a river flow gauge to identify areas on the Medomak River subject to clam bed closures in heavy storms, and engineering to design a replacement for a stream culvert that became impassable for fish and other wildlife after the Medomak River dam collapsed. Monhegan wishes to conduct a risk assessment for its sole drinking water aquifer with respect to saltwater intrusion due to sea level rise. The Southport project involves the potential for damage to public infrastructure on Capitol Island, including water and sewer systems, roads and the bridge.

During the discussion, Bob Faunce announced his retirement next March. He said he is working toward helping Harold Spetla get ready to take over for him. Plans are in the works to pay Faunce and Spetla for their time on the projects.

Alfred “Willy” Simmons was hired full-time by the Sheriff’s Department in transportation and special services. The change to his status – Simmons was previously part time – was approved by the commissioners. Simmons currently does screening work at the courthouse.

Commissioners also approved renewal of the Maine Drug Enforcement contract, which affects the salary of Jason Pease, and the Maine Pretrial contract, which increased 2.5 percent to $58,300 this year.

Commissioners approved the draft 2019 budget calendar, and mileage for the Assistant District Attorney from Rockland, until another ADA can be hired for Lincoln County. Administrator Carrie Kipfer said the mileage costs might be borne by the county until January.