Town Clerk's Office

The Millinocket Town Clerk/Tax Collector's Office has been busy serving the community over the past month. From August 17 to September 19, 2024, the office processed 1,302 transactions, collecting a total of $1,335,851.42.

Tax Collection Update

As of September 19, 2024, the office has:

• Collected 2024 Real Estate taxes from 232 accounts, with $137,379.52 still due
• Collected 2024 Personal Property taxes from 27 accounts, with $9,643.80 still due
• Mailed reminder letters to delinquent Personal Property accounts

Other Office Activities

• Prepared October Sewer Billing for the 4th quarter of 2024
• Reconciled and submitted Motor Vehicle reports to the BMV
• Reconciled August month-end reports for Vital Records, IF&W, and Dogs, and submitted collected monies to state agencies
• Processed marriage and cemetery transactions
• Filed Dog Rabies Certificates and communicated with the Animal Control Officer
• Finalized prior council meeting minutes

Elections Department Update

The Elections Department is gearing up for the November 5, 2024 General Election. Key dates to note:

• Absentee ballots will be available by October 4, 2024
• Absentee Ballot Request Applications are available now in person, online, by telephone, or by mail request

Municipal Election Candidates

The following candidates are running for office:

• Town Council (2 three-year terms): Matthew Bragdon, Tembar Craig, Tammy McLaughlin, and Gilda Stratton
• School Board (1 three-year term): Warren Steward and Rachel Cyr

Volunteer Opportunity

The Recreation Advisory Committee needs volunteers to fill a partial term (Alternate Seat) expiring in April 2026.

Diana Lakeman, Town Clerk & Sharon Cyr, Tax Collector

Human Resource Department

The Town of Millinocket is seeking applications for the current job opportunities:

• Full Time Fire Fighter/Advanced EMT or Paramedic
• Public Works Mechanic 1

These position are all open for immediate hire. Please go online or stop into the Town Office for a full job description or application. Please submit applications to the Human Resource Director via email or mail 197 Penobscot Ave., Millinocket.

The Town of Millinocket is an E.O.E/AA Employer.

Lori Santerre, Human Resource Director

Airport Department

Fueling Important Missions

We've seen significant fuel sales activity, supporting:

• Maine Forest Service
• LifeFlight of Maine
• Maine Army National Guard
• Several private jet visits

Exciting Upgrades Ahead

We're currently in the planning and engineering phase of two major projects:

1. Runway Reconstruction: Ensuring the airport's safety and infrastructure remain top-notch.
2. Taxiway Extension: Enhancing airport efficiency and accessibility.

New Terminal Building on the Horizon

A long-awaited upgrade, our new terminal building will modernize the airport's facilities, providing a better experience for passengers and visitors.

Stay tuned for updates on these projects!

Jeff Campbell, Airport Manager

Wastewater Department

Treatment Plant Performance

The Wastewater Department is pleased to report:

• 99% removal of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in August
• 97% removal of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in August

Summer Projects and Preparing for Fall

Despite the challenges posed by the dry summer, our team continues to work diligently on summer projects. As fall approaches, we remain committed to protecting our environment and receiving waters.

Important Reminder: Protect Our Sewer System

Low water flows due to the dry summer highlight the importance of responsible sewer usage.

Please do not flush:

• Wipes (even "flushable" ones)
• Paper towels
• Grease
• Plastics
• Q-tips
• Anything other than toilet paper

These items cause costly plugs, damage pumping stations, and harm our sewer system. We appreciate your consideration in helping us maintain Millinocket's infrastructure. Your actions contribute significantly to preventing blockages and ensuring our wastewater system operates efficiently.

Jason Ingalls,

Wastewater Treatment Facility Superintendent

Fire/EMS Department

The Millinocket Fire/EMS Department has been busy with various activities and initiatives.

Community Events and Training

The department participated in the Trails End Festival Parade and Touch a Truck Event. Additionally, department members toured the Millinocket Airport as part of ongoing training on Fire and EMS operations.

New Equipment and Vehicles

The department has welcomed its new ambulance (788) into service. Other equipment upgrades include new radios, WiFi in all ambulances, and an inflatable boat with rescue suits, with training scheduled for November. New SCBA's have also been ordered.

Grants and Collaborations

The department was selected for a 5-year Community Paramedic Grant, and Chief Cote is working with the Maine Forest Service on the Volunteer Assistance Grant for equipment. The department is also partnering with Northern Maine Community College as a clinical site for EMS students and collaborating with Millinocket Regional Hospital on a flu shot clinic and Hazmat Decon Training.

Department Achievements

One department member recently achieved national registry EMT-Basic certification, and the Katahdin Area Regional Firefighter I & II Class showed excellent results in skills testing.

Ongoing Initiatives

Chief Cote is updating standard operating guidelines and response plans, while also preparing for a SHAPE (Safety & Health Award for Public Employers) inspection. The department continues to distribute File of Life Cards and Naloxone to residents.

Chief Jonathon P. Cote, Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director

School Department

The Millinocket School Department has been busy preparing for the new academic year.

Safety First

A comprehensive emergency plan has been developed and will be presented to Granite and Stearns staff soon. Teachers will participate in walk-through evacuation drills, followed by a school-wide drill. Parents and the community will be informed of drill schedules through a publication.

New Faces

We welcome new staff members at Granite Street School: Melanie Thibodeau, Makayla Anderson, Sara Eastman, and Hillary Cyr.

Fall Musical

Mark your calendars for this year's Fall Musical, Newsies, performing on November 22, 23, and 24.

Summer Food Service Program Success

Our Summer Food Service Program wrapped up on August 23, serving an impressive 9,003 meals – 5,217 more than last year's program. We operated five permanent meal sites, provided meals to four summer school programs, and supported three community programs. Thank you to our dedicated staff and community partners.

Facility Upgrades

Both Stearns and Granite schools received interior and exterior painting, renovations, and maintenance over the summer. We're grateful for the invaluable help from Nazarene Church volunteers, who stained picnic tables, painted outbuildings, and washed exterior windows at Stearns.



Digital Menu Boards

New digital menu boards have been installed at both schools, offering families an online menu, mobile app, and convenient meal planning.

Dr. Shelley Lane, Superintendent of Schools