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November 5th Elections
Tuesday, November 5th is the date to mark on your calendar to vote in the 2002 General Elections. This November Dexter voters will have an opportunity to take part in the selection of a State Governor, a United States Senator, and a Representative to the US Congress, as well as selecting District representation for the State Senate and Representative to the State Legislature. Three State Referendum Questions dealing with bond issues toatling more than $44 millon will also be on the ballot. On the local scene, two positions for the Town Council will be decided as well as filling vacancies on the School Board, Utility District Board of Trustees and representation for Dexter on the Hospital Administrative District Board of Directors. A local referendum item seeking expansion of the Appeals Board from five to seven members is also being placed before Dexter voters. This is a great opportunity to be a part of democracy in action, so we encourage you to get out and vote!
Where Do I Vote?
Election voting polls will be set up in the VFW Hall located on Cedar Street. Polls will be open from 9:00AM until 8:00PM. Sample ballots may be viewed at the Town Office. If you have questions concerning the November 5th election or voter registration please contact Shelley Watson, the Registrar of Voters, 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 number 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.
Dexter Utility District Rate Increases
Recently it was announced that there would be a significant water rate increase for Dexter Utility District customers. If you have any questions concerning the rate increase please contact the Dexter Utility District at 924-7367. The Utility District office is located in the Morrison Building on Main Street, and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to Noon and 1:00PM to 5:00PM.
Reminder from the Tax Collector
Property owners are reminded that their 2002-2003 property taxes must be paid no later than Friday, November 29th in order to avoid interest being applied to the unpaid balance. The current interest rate on unpaid taxes is 8.75%. Also, residents should be aware 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, 2002. Forms and information may be obtained at the Town Office.
Dial 9-1-1 for Emergency Service
If you require police, fire, or ambulance service to respond to an emergency you should Dial 9-1-1. The appropriate public safety agency will be dispatched through the Penobscot Regional Communication Center in Bangor. Unfortunately, many residents continue to attempt to call the old emergency numbers for police, fire, and ambulance; however, those numbers have been disconnected. If you wish to contact the Dexter Police on non-emergency matters, you may call 924-7622 during normal operating hours.
2002 Annual Town Report
The 2002 Town Report is currently being put together by the Town Office staff. We anticipate the new report will be available for public distribution shortly after the first of the year.
Public Safety Advisory Committee
The Dexter Town Council recently directed the creation of an ad hoc committee to take a look at the structure, manning, and funding of all of Dexter's Public Safety organizations. The group, which is composed of Dexter residents, has completed their review and a final report is in the process of being developed. The committee's findings and recommendations will be presented to the Town Council at their November 14th meeting. We would like to extend a note of gratitude to all of the members of this group who so unselfishly contributed their time and expertise in undertaking this very important task. Their efforts are very much appreciated.
Christmas Decorating Contest
This Christmas season, for the third consecutive year, the Town will be sponsoring a home and business decoration contest.
There will be several categories for competition with winners being awarded checks payable to CMP that can be used to help pay for the expense of holiday lighting. As we approach the Christmas season check the Gazette or Rolling Thunder for information concerning the contest. We'll also post contest rules on the Town Web Site for your easy reference.
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 a number of boards and committees, and terms for several board and committee members will be expiring this December. 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 4th in order to be considered by the Town Council at their December 12th meeting. Most new appointments become effective on January 1, 2003.
Attention Dog Owners
Dog licenses for 2003 are now available at the Town Office.
Current proof of rabies immunization and certificate of neutering or 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, 2003. With the winter months coming please don't forget to take care of you pet's needs for warmth, food, and shelter. For more information contact the Town Office.
Give Your Business A Boost!
Did you know that the Town maintains a roster of local businesses and you can also post your business name and phone number on the Town's Web Site. We also offer use of the Town Council Chamber windows for month-long displays by small businesses, artists, or craftsmen. If you'd like to take advantage of these FREE services, contact the Town Office.
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, current events, and local business. Want to keep up to date on municipal affairs.....then this is “one stop shopping”, and it's “user friendly”!
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Response to Aircraft Accident...Super Job!
On Monday, October 7th a small twin-engine executive jet crashed while attempting a landing at the Dexter Regional Airport. Thanks to an alert resident who dialed 9-1-1 our
public safety agencies were able to respond in rapid fashion.
Luckily the pilot and passengers managed to walk away from the accident; however, it could have been much worse. A hearty thanks goes out to Dexter's police, fire, and ambulance personnel for their rapid and professional response to the situation. Also,
our Airport Manager, Roger Nelson, should be recognized for the important role he played in so ably handling many of the tasks
that had to be addressed in the aftermath of the accident.
Universal Solid Waste Disposal
State and Federal laws mandate that now we must manage potentially hazardous unwanted waste items differently than we have in the past. These potentially hazardous items are now known as Universal Wastes because they are hazardous wastes generated by all of us in our homes and places of work.
Special handling, storage, and disposal for items such as TVs, Computer Monitors, Florescent Bulbs, and devices containing Mercury have necessitated the implementation of a new user fee schedule which will impact both residents and businesses. A list of the new fee structure is available at the Town Office or the Transfer Station.
Toys for Tots Program
Anyone wishing to donate money or toys for this year's Toys for Tots program may do so by contacting the Dexter Human Services Director at 924-7351. Applications to take advantage of the program will be available in the Town Office by November 29th, and they must be returned by December 16th.
Dexter Development Corporation
The Dexter Regional Development Corporation was created last year with the primary objectives of promoting and assisting in furthering economic development in the area as well as providing oversight for a variety of unique and diversified economic and community development projects. The Corporation membership meets monthly and all meetings are open to the general public.Persons interested in being a part of this effort should contact Judy Craig (924-3067) or David Pearson (924-7351).
Prepare for Winter Driving!
With Winter rapidly approaching this is a good time to touch on the subject of snow removal and winter driving. Were you aware that our Public Works Department is responsible for winter road maintenance on approximately 40 miles of local roads as well as snow clearing and sanding for municipal and school parking lots, sidewalks, airport 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 individual plowing routes 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.
During the winter months, and especially during snow storms, there is a parking ban on Town streets and roads between the hours of 1:00AM and 7:00AM. Persons who violate the ban will be subject to a fine as well as having their vehicles towed.
Residents are also reminded that when plowing or shoveling drives or walkways 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 it's fully visible to our plow truck drivers.
Finally, remember that winter driving requires your full attention. Courtesy, patience, and a thorough understanding of your vehicle as well as your personal limitations are all factors that can make your winter driving experience “uneventful”.
Covered Bridge Project
Have you checked out the new covered bridge at the Wayside Park? This effort began a year ago when Kyle Wilson began planning a project to earn his Eagle Scout rating. Thanks to Kyle and the support of the community we now have a beautiful covered bridge that connects the Dexter Historical Society Museum complex and the Wayside Park area.
Update on Purchase of the Dexter Shoe
Water Street Building
The Town has entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Dexter Shoe Company for the purchase of the building located at 90 Water Street. The purchase is contingent on the Town receiving a federal Economic Development Infrastructure Grant which will fund the purchase and renovation of the existing building. The plan envisions subdividing the building into several units to accommodate small to medium manufacturing businesses. The grant process should be completed by early in 2003 with ownership of the building going to the Town in March of next year. Shortly thereafter we will contract for renovations to commence. We will begin actively marketing the facility as soon as the grant has been finalized. We're confident that by targeting new and emerging industry we'll be able to attract new business, create jobs, and diversify the local economy.
Municipal Services Directory
Town Office - 924-7351
- Town Manager: Bob Simpson
- Assessor: Dave Pearson
- Tax Collector: Marilyn Curtis
- Town Clerk: Shelley Watson
- Human Services: Linda Clukey
- Code Enforcement: Bill Murphy
- Recreation: Andy Conway
- Facilities Manager: David Leighton
Police Department - 924-7322
- Police Chief: Dave Clukey
Fire Department Emergency - 924-7321
Fire Department Non-Emergency - 924-7301
- Fire Chief: Melvin Wyman
Ambulance Service Emergency - 924-7315
Ambulance Non-Emergency - 924-6212
- Ambulance Director: Mel Thurlow
Abbott Memorial Library - 924-7292
- Librarian: Elizabeth Breault
Public Works Department - 924-6257
- Director: Mike Delaware
Water District - 924-7367
- Director: Randy Webber
Superintendent of Schools - 924-5262
- Superintendent: Ray Poulin
Transfer Station - 924-3650
- Manager: Jim Silverman
Municipal Golf Course - 924-6477
- Manager: Gary Rees
Animal Control Officer - 924-7513
- Kathy Ricker
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