Dexter council makes a number of appointments
DEXTER — The Dexter Town Council made a number of appointments for the next year and some for several years during the monthly meeting on Dec. 19. While many of the positions had the same number of names for open slots — such as the airport committee and Abbott Memorial Library Board of Trustees – or fewer residents willing to serve than there were openings, the council had to make a few choices for three respective board seats.
The council had a trio of candidates willing to serve an open seat representing Dexter on the SAD 46 School Board for a term to run through Nov. 4, 2025. After the council heard from two of the candidates, they opted to appoint Trina Neptune.
Four candidates sought two 3-year seats on the planning board. The council opted to reappoint incumbents Kevin Keene and Jeremy Trowbridge.
“All of your work makes our town better,” Town Manager Trampas King said in thanking everyone volunteering on various Dexter committees.
In other business, the council approved the Maine Paid Family Medical Leave act. As of Jan. 1, a 1 percent payroll tax will be required by employers. State law allows for the employer to pay the entire amount or require that half of the amount (.5 percent) be paid by the employee. In Dexter this 1 percent will be split between the town and the employees.
Other towns in the region, such as Dover-Foxcroft, have opted to divide the 1 percent in half.
Councilor Heidi Kinney mentioned there is emergency legislation in Augusta to repeal Maine Paid Family Medical Leave, but when and if this would be passed is to be determined. When asked, King said should the legislation be enacted then Dexter’s ordinance would be nullified but it would still be in place for the new year until the legislature takes action.
In his report, King said the annual ice fishing derby on Lake Wassookeag will be be moved up several weeks in 2025 to Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26 (from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. respectively). He said event organizing will be transitioning from the Dexter Fish & Game Association to the Dexter Firefighters Association. All proceeds will benefit the firefighters association.
King said the Dexter Development Association is selling memorial bricks for the Bring Back the Beach project at the lake recreation area. He said a swimming event is being planned for the summer to benefit a youth swim lessons program. Details will be announced but participants may swim a half mile for sponsorship dollars.
The council made the annual chair and vice chair appointments with Andrew Bermudez to serve as chair and Marcia Delaware as vice chair. Previously the two served in the other position.