CAMDEN — I would like to thank Camden Real Estate Company and the Allen Agency for inviting me to speak at a meeting they organized last week. I really appreciated the opportunity to meet everyone and talk about a number of topical issues in Camden. In particular we discussed short term rentals and the likelihood there will be a proposal brought forward on how Camden may change its approach to regulating these types of rentals. Real Estate businesses and local Insurance Brokers are major stakeholders in any policy discussion around the regulation of short term rentals and it was very beneficial to hear a number of perspectives and ideas on what could work for Camden.

I met with Monica Kelly from Bay Chamber Concerts to talk about the possibility of Bay Chamber Concerts returning to the Camden Opera House to do a number of shows. The team at the Opera House and myself are very committed to forming a new partnership with Bay Chamber Concerts. They bring unique and interesting programming to our region and they're a great fit for the Opera House.

Melissa Bellew, the new Executive Director for the Pen Bay YMCA, came to Camden to introduce herself and talk about her plans as the new leader of the Y. Melissa is going to be a great fit for the region and she was very enthusiastic about continuing and building on the partnership between the Town and the YMCA.

I met with Mike Cummons, the Camden & Rockland Division Superintendent for Maine Water, to discuss capital projects they have planned for the upcoming construction season. Maine Water is planning to replace the water mains on the section of Gould Street between Mount Battie Street and Washington Street adjacent to Megunticook Market, on Central Street, and on Norwood Avenue. In an effort to help Maine Water get this information out to residents in these areas we will post this information on the website and the Town's Facebook page.

I would also like to assure residents in neighborhoods adjacent to the former Tannery that the Tannery will not be used as a staging area for any of these projects.

Much of my time over the past week has been spent on drafting a performance based contract in preparation for renewing the Town's agreement with Northeast Mobile Health Services to provide EMS to Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport. My colleagues in the three towns and Chief Farley are currently reviewing my draft and providing feedback. This draft will go to the EMS Performance Review Committee and Northeast for review prior to being sent to the respective Select Boards.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Laite Beach pump station was installed in 1970 and had served the town well during its 47 year lifespan. Due to significant corrosion of the pump station's critical components, this station was slated for replacement in the current fiscal year. Jake Barbour, Inc. (JBI) was awarded the bid to replace the pump station. JBI completed the station installation in March and the new pump station is now up and running smoothly. JBI will complete landscaping of the pump station construction footprint when weather conditions allow.

Fire Department

Incident response call volume has remained steady
Conducted several Fire Department training sessions
Hosted a training meeting of the Waldo County Search & Rescue group
Conducted a monthly meeting of the Department with safety programs review
Continued appratus & equipment maintenance programs
Hosted the second night of the Citizens Public Safety Academy
Chief attended several meetings of the KRCC Executive Board
Met with the Chair of the County Budget Committee to discuss progress with a budget request
FF Heath & Chief attended a Safety Symposium with LifeFlight of Maine staff to assist in safety planning for the Islesboro Crossing fundraiser
As Code Enforcement - met with Lyman-Morse staff to review proposed renovations
- met with a resident of Highland Ave to review proposed renvoations

- provided additional information to the town attorney related to abandoned property on WIllow Street

- coordinated with Fire Marshal's Office and midcoast Fire Chiefs to host a Certified Fire Inspector program for spring 2018

As EMA Director - attended a county-wide Active Threat exercise planning session for PBMC
- attended a school safety planning meeting with staff from CRES, CRMS and CHRHS

As Public Health Officer - issued a Notice of Violation at 11 Chestnut Hill

Police Department

The following reflects statistics from Police Department files from March 1 to March 16, 2018.

203 complaints received
10 Agency Assist calls
8 Business alarm responses
7 Animal complaints; 1 bite report; 6 complaint reports
1 Disorderly Conduct Complaints
2 Domestic Violence Reports
4 Drug Take Back / Use of lobby drop box
2 OUI Arrests
3 Harassment Complaints
7 Mental Health Issues/Checks
11 Parking Problem Complaints (Snow removal issues)
9 Traffic Accidents w/Damage
1 Protection from Abuse Violation
42 Property checks
17 Radar details
5 Well Being checks

The Camden Police Department recently recognized three Officers for life saving actions taken during the performance of their duties. Det. Curt Andrick, Sgt. Dan Brown, and Officer Chris Hansen received recognition at the March 6th Select Board meeting. The department also welcomed Paul Thompson as our newest member. Paul started his duties on March 14th.

In preparation for future leadership roles the Camden Police department offers continued education for officers looking for career advancement. Det. Curt Andrick and Officer Allen Weaver recently attended FBI LEEDA Supervisory Leadership training. This is the first in a series of trainings to prepare officers for future roles in supervision. Officer Sam Butler has recently completed Field Training Officer School. Officer Butler will be one of the officers training new officer Paul Thompson.