Lightning temporarily impacts Boothbay region emergency communications

A July 15 lightning strike temporarily impacted Boothbay region emergency communications. The lightning struck a Central Maine Power transformer located near Lincoln County’s tower in Boothbay. Communications Center Director Tara Doe told commissioners Aug. 1, the county’s service agreement with RCM (Radio Communication Management) of Portland resulted in service being restored by day’s end. “The strike shorted out our equipment and other tower tenants,” Doe said. “RCM found some spare parts, and got everything up and running by day’s end.”

County officials estimated repair costs at $12,000. County Administrator Carrie Kiper reported she submitted the claim to the insurance pool.

Another natural disaster had the county’s attention this spring. On May 1, several Lincoln County communities endured the brunt of a torrential rainstorm causing thousands of dollars in damages. County Emergency Management Agency Director Maury Prentiss said the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Lincoln County a disaster area. “We met the threshold for federal assistance,” Prentiss said. “Towns are filling out the paperwork to receive reimbursement of the ongoing repairs,” he said.

Kipfer told commissioners the county was eligible for FEMA funds due to a pre-existing county natural disaster preparedness plan.

In other action, Sheriff Todd Brackett received approval to accept a federal $180,000 Stonegarden Grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The county has received a Stonegarden Grant each year since 2019. The sheriff’s department will use grant monies for overtime, additional patrol shifts, and equipment purchases. Brackett said the department will share funds with the Wiscasset and Damariscotta police departments and Maine Marine Patrol.

The county has made tentative employment offers to two new 911 emergency dispatchers. Doe said offers were made to Regan Pearce from Hancock County and Carson Fassett of Boothbay Harbor. County EMA decided to repair a 2009 Ford F-250 with rust damage. Commissioners approved paying $8,816.89 to repair the truck with 82,000 miles on it, according to Prentiss. Besides rust damage, the truck needs mechanical repairs, a new brake line, front shocks and a new defroster switch.

Commissioners received an update on Waldoboro Utility District’s use of a county $200,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant. Waldoboro was one of four county wastewater plants which received a $200,000 grant. District officials said they made their final payment on affluence spray pumps in May and completed other purchases for other pumps and equipment.

Commissioners approved an $11,360 payment authorization for a new chiller and installation into the courthouse compressor. Kipfer told commissioners she would submit the claim to the insurance risk pool for reimbursement.

Commissioners meet next at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15 in the courthouse.

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