Town Clerk's Office

As we approach the end of the year, the Millinocket Town Clerk's Office has been busy with various tasks and responsibilities. Here are a few updates:



Tax Collection

• $3,668,183.78 was collected between October 19, 2024, and November 20, 2024, involving 3,669 transactions.
• FY24/25 Real Estate & Personal Property Tax bills were mailed on October 4, 2024, with a mil rate of 27.6 and an interest rate of 8.5%.
• First-half tax payments were due on October 29, 2024, and second-half payments are due on January 29, 2025.

Clerk's Office Updates

• October sewer bills were mailed on October 31, 2024, with a due date of November 29, 2024.
• Motor vehicle reports are up to date, and vital records, IF&W, and dog license reports have been reconciled and submitted to the state.

Elections

The November 5, 2024, General/Referendum & Municipal Elections were completed, and all requirements were met by the designated deadlines.

Dog Licenses

2025 dog licenses are available, and we're navigating the new mandated electronic dog registration program. Please bring in your current rabies vaccination certificates to assist us in creating accurate owner/pet profiles.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Millinocket Town Council is seeking volunteers to serve on the following boards:

• Personnel Appeals Board: One partial seat for a two-year term.
• Recreation Advisory Committee: One alternate seat for a three-year term.

If you're interested in serving, please pick up an application at the Town Clerk's Office or click here.

Diana Lakeman, Town Clerk & Sharon Cyr, Tax Collector

Human Resource Department

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

• Paid Call Fire Fighters
• 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

The Millinocket Municipal Airport has been busy with various activities and projects. Here are a few updates:



Airport Operations

• As of November 18, the G.A.R.D. system has recorded 99 aircraft operations.
• We're excited to see an increase in free medical flights out of Millinocket, with organizations like PALS and Angel Flight providing life-saving flights to those in need of treatment in Boston.

Website Updates

• We've started working on updating the Airport section of the Town's website to provide more information and resources for pilots and airport users.

Grant and Funding Updates

• We've completed the DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program) for our FAA grant system.
• We met with the FAA, MEDOT, and our consultants to coordinate funding for our upcoming projects.

State and Regional Collaboration

• We attended a quarterly meeting with the MAAB (Maine Aeronautical Advisory Board) to discuss the State Aviation Plan, future projects, and individual airport concerns.

We're proud to be a part of the Millinocket community and look forward to continuing to serve the aviation needs of our residents and visitors.

Jeff Campbell, Airport Manager

Wastewater Department

Important Reminder: Protect Our Sewer Lines

Due to this year's low rainfall and flows, our town's sewer lines are under increased stress. This can lead to:

• Increased plugs and blocks
• Unnecessary bypasses
• Potential backups into residential basements

Help Prevent Problems: Flush Wisely

To avoid these issues, please remember:

• Toilet paper ONLY should be flushed
• Avoid flushing other items, such as wipes, sanitary products, and trash

What to Do in Case of a Sewer Issue

If you experience:

• Slow-running drains
• Sewer backups in your basement



Call the Public Works Department first at 723-7030 to determine if the issue is with the town's infrastructure. This can save you time and money on unnecessary plumbing calls.

Jason Ingalls,

Wastewater Treatment Facility Superintendent

Fire/EMS Department

The Millinocket Fire/EMS Department has been busy with various activities, training sessions, and community events. Here are some highlights:

New Hire and Certifications

• We welcomed a new hire on November 4th, who is currently undergoing our department's orientation program.
• Congratulations to two full-time staff members who obtained their Firefighter I & II Certification, and one paid call member who obtained their Basic Fire School Certification.

Community Events and Training

• Our department hosted the Annual Town Trunk and Treat Event on Halloween Night, and our on-duty crews participated in the Tractor Supply Touch a Truck Event.
• We've attended various training sessions, including Energy Storage Systems, Electrical Safety & Response, and Water Rescue Class.
• Our paramedics will be attending an ACLS/PALS Class on November 29th.

Grant and Funding Updates

• Chief Cote is working with the Community Initiatives Director on the 2024 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
• We're also working on policies for the Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Decontamination to apply for the Maine State Cancer Prevention Grant.

Equipment and Vehicle Updates

• We've replaced the stretcher in Unit 789 with a new one from Stryker.
• New SCBA's have been placed in service, and we've installed a new mobile radio in Unit 783.
• We've also placed Car Fire Blankets and Emergency Plugs for Electric Vehicle Incidents into service.

Upcoming Events and Training

• Chief Cote is working on the 2025 training schedule and annual training for January 2025.
• We're preparing for a SHAPE (Safety & Health Award for Public Employers) Inspection with Maine Safety Works.

Ongoing Initiatives

• We continue to distribute File of Life Cards and Naloxone to residents.
• Chief Cote is updating standard operating guidelines, written plans, mutual aid plans, response plans, and preplans.

We're proud to serve the Millinocket community and look forward to continuing our efforts to keep our residents safe.

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

Recreation Department

As we head into the winter season, the Recreation Department has been busy with various activities and projects. Here are a few updates:

New Photographer

We're excited to welcome Photography by Mike as our new photographer! Mike has already captured action shots of our soccer programs and will be working with us throughout the year to take photos of all our programs.

Winter Programming

We met with the Millinocket Rec Commission on October 13th to discuss our current programs and plan for the winter season. Our next meeting is scheduled for December 18th at 9:00 am.

Job Opportunities

We'll be posting for at least two ice rink attendant positions by the end of the month. If you're interested in working with us this winter, keep an eye out for the job posting!

Youth Basketball and Cheering

Our youth basketball and cheering programs are in full swing, with 194 kids enrolled (not including Millinocket Little Pro basketball and Eastern Maine Basketball League). We're excited to see our young athletes in action!

Jerry Pond Updates

We've installed new signs at Jerry Pond, thanks to the hard work of our Maintenance Director Evan Campbell and the Public Works department. The dock has been removed for the winter, and we're looking forward to reopening in the spring.

Senior Dinner

Our next senior dinner is scheduled for December 16th at the East Millinocket Rec Hall. Dinner will be served at 12:00 pm, with takeout available starting at 12:15 pm.



Other Updates

• The swing set replacement is being stored at Public Works until the weather permits installation.
• The tennis/pickleball and basketball courts are closed for the season and will reopen on May 1st.
• We're starting to plan our holiday activities and Winterfest events, including the snowmobile parade and Snowdown at the ice rink.

Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to seeing you around town!

Cody McEwen, Recreation Director

Police Department

As of November 18th, we've responded to a total of 10,562 calls for service, with 6,221 of those calls being within the Millinocket area.

DARE Program

We're proud to announce that Officer Edson has completed the intensive 2-week DARE Officer program! This nationally recognized program will help our officers empower local youth to make safe, informed decisions and resist peer pressure. Officer Edson will be working with all Katahdin Region schools to bring the DARE curriculum back to our classrooms. Thank you to the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation for covering the cost of the course and curriculum!

Grant Funding

We're grateful to have secured a grant through Penobscot County EMA and MEMA, totaling over $33,000! This funding will help us acquire pyramid vehicle repeater systems for our patrol vehicles, enhancing officer safety and portable radio coverage.

New Equipment and Vehicles

We've received unused surplus .40 caliber ammunition from the USCG, which will save us from having to purchase ammunition for many years to come. Our two new Dodge Chargers have been lettered and are now on patrol, and we've repurposed equipment from the replaced vehicles.

Community Events and Training

Our officers participated in multiple Trunk or Treat events in our region, which were very well received. We've also completed our yearly firearm qualifications and are working on our mandatory 2024 trainings.

New Hire and Staff Updates

Please join us in welcoming Officer Eric Shean, who has been hired to fill a full-time patrol vacancy. Officer Shean formerly worked in Millinocket, and we're excited to have him on board. We're still seeking qualified applicants for patrol positions, and we appreciate our officers' hard work in filling vacant shifts.

We're proud to serve the Millinocket community and look forward to continuing our efforts to keep our residents safe!

Police Chief Cameron McDunnah & Corporal Bradley Fitzgerald, East Millinocket Police Department

Katahdin Gear Library

The Katahdin Gear Library (KGL) has been buzzing with activity, and we're excited to share some updates with you:

New Hours

Our new hours, designed to accommodate kids after school, have been a huge success! You can now visit us Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 5:30 pm for rentals or just to chat.

Marathon Day

We'll be open on Marathon Day from 8 am to 4 pm as a warming station and information hub. Stop by to grab a hot drink, pick up some KGL swag, including our popular "Don't Millinocket Til You Try It" T-shirts and stickers!

Membership Update

In 2025, we'll be adjusting our membership model to require a library card from any Katahdin Region library for all KGL patrons. This change will help us better serve our community.

Upcoming Programs

Stay tuned on our social media channels for exciting youth programs scheduled for the rest of this year and into 2025! We can't wait to share these opportunities with you.

Visit us today and explore the great outdoors with the help of the Katahdin Gear Library!