Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

Winding up another somewhat busy week..

Tuesday started with a bang. That is for the Fire Dept. where the utility truck was hit while at a call on High St. A vehicle crested the hill where the ambulance and subject vehicle and rear-ended the truck. Add to that a second vehicle did the same - only it hit the vehicle that hit our truck. Already have has the insurance review and we have scheduled the repairs.

As you heard - we have some nice candidates for Deputy Tax Collector. Finishing up the references and narrowing the field. Hopefully this can be wrapped up within the next week.

While on the Tax Collector topic. Maine Statute guidance says that Faith should have been appointed to complete the term of the office held by Heather. So.at the next Select Board meeting, Faith's appointment should be amended to expire in June of 2028. She remains an appointed employee and by then the change from elected to appointed will be enacted and the Tax Collector position may be either posted and filled or simply filled.

Not that is matters - but - there have been numerous requests for copies of property cards for review. I expect that to continue / grow. The "Reval" has created a bunch of unnecessary turmoil both here at 34 Town Farm Rd and on the web. A lot of finger-pointing and accusations prompted by both fear and some anger. Hopefully this too shall pass.

Mid-month the water treatment should begin. I am told it would take a week to complete. You will need to be prepared to ok the 50% downpayment to Ward. That likely will occur before your next meeting so stay tuned for the sign off.

Sat through an hour with the Decommissioning Committee and the attorney. I firmly believe this will end just a hoped. The up and down is part of the process/negotiation all designed to make all feel they were heard and respected.

I would like the Board to consider crafting an RFP for legal service. I don't think we are getting the desired bang for our buck. I have learned that D&W is running into trouble on their education representation side and frankly there are a number of folks locally who have little or no faith in their service on the municipality side.

Finaly - with the increasing number of residents I have the pleasure of meeting and talking with and getting to know, I am disappointed to learn that continued disrespect lingers from within. That said, I am reminded of a little saying I have carried with me from my much younger days. For what it is worth:

"Be careful of the words you say. Make them soft and sweet. For someday you may never know-which ones you'll have to eat."

Enjoy your weekend.

D

Richard Morin

Town Manager

Town of Hollis, Maine