A popular walking trail in Dresden has been temporarily closed due to problems with unleashed dogs. Trail developer Dave Probert said the loop trail near Pownalborough Court House has consistently had problems with dog owners failing to follow leash rules.

“The signs were thrown into the bushes,” Probert told selectmen at the board’s Tuesday, April 27 meeting. Probert said as many as 400 people per month had used the trail until it was closed last year.

“When the trail started it was good news,” Justin Parker told the board. But as the trail became popular, his Common Road property became swamped with traffic. “It became a headache,” he said. Parker, who raises hunting dogs, said his border collie had to fight off a larger dog who entered their yard. “We had to post our land,” said Patty Stewart Parker, Justin’s wife.

Selectman Allan Moeller suggested  the trail access be moved to another part of Common Road. Justin Parker said eight other Common Road households had raised issues with the trail’s misuse. Probert said the only immediate action would be to post new closure signs until a solution could be formulated.

New librarian

Bridge Academy President Richard Graffam introduced newly appointed librarian Amalia Farel to the board. Farel said that when she took over the job in February, the library had been staffed by volunteers. “They did a fabulous job,” said Farel.

Having recently moved to Damariscotta from Pennsylvania, her background was in manufacturing and she had no training as a librarian, she said. Since she started in the job, she has attracted several grants to improve the library’s book collection, completed the children’s room, and is looking to attract funds to replace the windows of the old school building. “The library is just a gem,” she added.

Town Administrator Mike Faass announced the town would soon receive the first half of a $163,000 grant from The American Rescue Plan. He said the money could be used for a COVID-19 related project but not to reduce taxes. Selectman  Gerald Lilly suggested using the funds to install air quality equipment in Pownalborough Hall and the town office.

The board rejected an offer to extend the Wiscasset Ambulance Service contract to three years. “We are not going to sign anything until we see the upfront cost,” said Moeller.