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November 6th Elections
Tuesday, November 6th is the date for the 2001 State and local general elections. On the local ballot residents will have the opportunity to elect representation for the Town Council, School Board of Directors, and Dexter Utility District Board of Trustees.
Candidates for the three vacancies on the Town Council are Fred Banks, Roger Brawn, Sharon Mountain, and Al Ross. Mike McCormick, Richard Sherburne, and Steven Foster are running unopposed for positions on the School Board. Bob Crawford, Walter Field, and Gary Santos are candidates to fill two vacancies on the Utility District Board of Trustees. Items on the State Referendum Ballot include questions seeking voter approval for six major bond initiatives. Sample ballots may be viewed at the Dexter Town Office.
Where Do I Vote?
Voting polls for the November election will be held at the VFW located at 24 Cedar Street. For voter convenience, polls will be open from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM. If you're not a registered voter, you may register at the Town Office during normal operating hours or at the polls on election day. For more information contact the Dexter Town Office at 924-7351.
Voting by Absentee Ballot
In the event you will be unable to get to the polls on election day, registered voters can vote via absentee ballot. In order to acquire an absentee ballot, the registered voter can visit the Town Office or request a ballot by phone or by mail. A third person can also pick-up an absentee ballot for a registered voter but only the voter can designate a 3rd person to deliver a ballot and it must be done through a written request. There are a numer of special requirements associated with voting via absentee ballot and those can be best explained by our Town Clerk/Registrar of Voters. If you have questions concerning absentee voting please call or stop by the Town Office.
Thanks to Dexter's Public Safety Personnel
In light of the tragic events that occured on September 11th,
the valor, dedication, and professionalism of Public Safety Personnel throughout the country has been in the spotlight.
Our ambulance, police, and fire department personnel often go
unrecognized for the service they provide for our community.
Because of the nature of some of their work , our residents often aren't even aware of the difficult and frequently life-threatening
situations that our local public safety personnel face. As we move ahead during the coming weeks and months of this national
crisis, the skill and determination of personnel that comprise the public safety organizations across America will undoubtedly be tested to the limits of their ability. Your continued support for our public safety personnel, both locally and nationally, is critical to the success of our “first line of defense” against terrorism. A sincere note of gratitude is due to these very special “heros”.
Transition Services for Dexter Shoe Employees
In response to the recent announcement of employee layoffs at Dexter Shoe, the State Department of Labor will soon be opening a Training and Transition Center in Dexter. The Center will be operted by the Training Development Corporation (TDC), and will be located at 26 Main Street (previously the Millside Pharmacy). The Center is designed to help facilitate the process of finding employment and providing avenues for specialty training for the nearly 500 Dexter Shoe employees who are slated to be losing their jobs during the next couple of months. The Center is currently scheduled to open on November 5th and is planned to remain at the Main Street location for up to two years. Employees impacted by the closure of the local Dexter Shoe manufacturing operation are encouraged to take
advantage of this service.
Bicentennial T-Shirts Still Available
In recognition of Dexter's Bicentennial we've created a special T-shirt which includes the Bicentennial Logo. Shirts
are still available at the Town Office and Abbott Memorial Library. Shirts cost $10 each and are available in a variety of sizes. Proceeds from the sale of shirts is used to help fund
the cost of this year's Bicentennial activities.
Theft of Flags from Dexter Cemeteries
We are sadened to report that approximately 135 small American Flags were recently removed from gravesites in Dexter Cemeteries. If anyone can provide information concerning the
theft of the American Flags we urge you to contact the Dexter Police Department at 924-7622. Information will remain confidental.
Dial 9-1-1 for Emergency
Since the beginning of 2001 we've gone through a significant change in the way our ambulance, fire department, and police are being dispatched; however, most residents may not even be aware of the change. The Penobscot Regional Communication Center is now providing emergency dispatch services for all our public safety agencies. Dexter residents no longer have to dial separate numbers for fire, ambulance, or police emergency response. They may now dial 9-1-1 to reach an emergency dispatcher who will take care of all the public safety dispatching requirements. A special note of appreciation goes out to everyone who helped make the transition both smooth and effective.
Dexter Regional Development Corporation
Early this year the Dexter Regional Development Corporation was formed and is now a fully functioning Corporation. Primary objectives of the non-profit corporation are to promote and assist in furthering economic development in Dexter as well as providing oversight for a variety of unique and diversified economic and community development projects. The new corporation consists of a Board of Directors who will work closely with municipal officials and representatives of the private sector in the achievement of corporate goals that will benefit the Town and surrounding area. The Corporation's Board of Directors meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in the Town Council Chambers. Meetings are open to the public and persons interested in participating in this economic development initiative are welcome to attend.
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2001 Annual Town Report
We'll soon be ready to “go to press” with our Town Report for 2001. If all goes as planned we should have the new report available to the public by the first week in January. We're also very pleased to announce that for the third stratight year the Dexter Report has received an Award of Excellence from the Maine Municipal Association as part of their yearly Municipal Report Competition.
Reminder from the Tax Collector
Residents are reminded that they may qualify for the State sponsored property tax relief program for homeowners or renters. Qualification for the program is based on income. The deadline for filing for the refund is December 31, 2001. Forms and information are available in the Town Office.
Want to Serve on a Town Board or Committee?
Municipal Boards and Committees perform a vital role in the conduct of Town government in Maine. The Town of Dexter relies heavily on these groups to develop plans and programs for the community. The Town Council will undertake the annual process of making appointments to Town Boards and Committees during their December meeting. We currently have positions available on the Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Airport Committee, Library Board of Trustees, Golf Course Board of Directors, Human Resources Committee, and Recreation Committee. Persons interested in being appointed for the first time as well as those seeking reappointment should obtain an application at the Town Office. Applications must be returned by December 5th in order to be considered by the Town Council at their December 8th meeting. Most new appointments become affective on January 1, 2002.
Town of Dexter Web Site
Check out the Town of Dexter Web site on the internet at www.dextermaine.org. The site is a great source of information about the community and current events that may be of interest to residents.
Reward Program
The Town of Dexter offers a “standing reward” for information leading to the apprehension of individuals responsible for the vandalism or theft of public property.
The identity of persons receiving rewards will be remain strictly confidential. If you have information that could aid in resolving any such incident you are encouraged to contact the Dexter Police Department at 924-7622.
Give Your Business a Boost!
The front windows of the Town Council Chambers in the Morrison Building are frequently used for seasonal displays and special events. However, last year we started offering local small businesses, as well as artists and crafters, the opportunity to use the Main Street windows to promote their products and services. Generally, one of the windows can be used for an entire month by an individual or business to display their products and wares. If you'd like to take advantage of this FREE service, contact the Town Office at 924-7351.
Attention Dog Owners
Dog licenses for 2002 are now available at the Town Office.
Current proof of rabies immunization and certificate of neutering/spaying (if applicable) is required. Licenses are $7.50 per dog unless the dog is spayed or neutered, in which case the fee is $4.00. A $5.00 late fee will be charged on all licenses issued after January 31, 2002. With the winter months coming please don't forget to take care of your pet's needs for warmth, food, and shelter. For more information contact the Town Office at 924-7351.
A Reminder from the Public Works Director
With Winter approaching it's probably a good time to touch on a subject that's important to us all......snow removal. Were you aware that our Public Works Department is responsible for winter road maintenance on approximately 40 miles of roads as well as snow clearing and sanding for municipal and school parking lots, sidewalks, airport taxiways and runway, and municipal facilities. In general, all main roads are treated with either salt or sand when they are covered with a thin layer of snow. Plowing usually begins when about two inches of snow has accumulated. The plowing routes usually take about three hours to complete, and sometime longer if maintenance problems or traffic hampers the process. Our goal for winter road maintenance is to provide the safest road conditions possible under prevailing conditions, and we attempt to have the roads and streets cleared to accommodate peak traffic periods. We don't have enough plow operators to allow a normal shift change during an “around the clock” snow event, so we work our drivers as long as safely possible to cope with the situation.
During the winter months, and especially during snow storms, there is a parking ban on Town streets between the hours of 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Persons who violate the ban will be subject to having their behicles towed away as well as being fined. Residents are also reminded that when plowing or shoveling drives it's illegal to deposit snow and slush on any public way. This includes roads, intersections, parking lots and sidewalks.
The accidental destruction of mailboxes often becomes a very sensitive subject as the winter season progresses. Mailboxes
installed in the right-of-way are placed there at the owner's risk and the Town is not obliged to repair damaged posts or boxes. However, if your post is knocked down by a plow you should
report the incident to the Town Office. We have temporary posts that can be used to get you through the winter and insure your mail service is uninterrupted. You can help reduce the possibility
of having a mailbox damaged by clearing away snow banks around the box and post so that it is fully visible to our
plow truck drivers.
We recently acquired a refurbished heavy duty sidewalk snow blower. The “new” equipment will permit us to get sidewalks cleared much quicker than in the past. However, our first priority will continue to be keeping the roads safe and passable for vehicular traffic.
Welcome Robin Hartford
Robin Hartford recently joined the Town Office staff as
one of our municipal clerks. In addition to the regular routine of helping customers with licenses, permits, and registrations,
Robin will also be responsible for performing the task of
billing agent for the Dexter Ambulance Service. Robin is a long time resident of Dexter and brings with her some excellent technical and clerical skills acquired through her work experience at Dexter Shoe.
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