A mandatory pre-proposal broadband meeting was held on March 10, 2021.  Six broadband companies responded to the Request for Proposals that had been issued in late February.  The proposals are to include cost estimates to build, operate and maintain a high speed fiber optic network connecting every residence and business in Rangeley, Rangeley Plantation, Sandy River Plantation and Dallas Plantation.  A cost apportionment for the four municipalities and project funding options are also required in the proposals.
Franklin County Community Development will provide maps depicting roads, residences and existing coverage to Municipal delegates for their updates and corrections.  These improved maps will be made available to the broadband companies interested in making a proposal.  The Municipal delegates are reviewing samples of Inter-local Agreements to create a document that works for all of them.  Their next meeting date is March 24, 2021 at 2:00pm.
The Rangeley Special Town Meeting held March 9, 2021 resulted in the approval of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and TIF Development Program.  The vote outcome that passed the article was 38 yes and 21 no.  At their March 15, 2021 meeting the Selectmen directed Town Manager Joe Roach to provide the Town’s TIF attorney the  materials needed to make a formal application to the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (Maine DECD).  Approval by Maine DECD is expected, with the TIF District officially starting July 1, 2021.
The creation of a Comprehensive Plan Review and Implementation Committee (CRIC) is strongly associated with the TIF District.  The goal of the CRIC is to review the Town’s existing Comprehensive Plan with the intent to incorporate action items from the Downtown Revitalization Plan (adopted by the Board of Selectmen on 2/25/2019) into it. The first reading of the CRIC bylaws will be at the April 5th Selectmen’s meeting.  Those interested in serving on the Committee should notify the Rangeley Town Office.
In Board updates the Planning Board approved a residential subdivision on Dodge Pond at their March 10, 2021 meeting.  The four lot, 9.7 acre subdivision located on the east shore of Dodge Pond is accessed by the Mitigwa Road which connects to Route 4.
The Selectmen sent a letter of appreciation to Dennis Marquis thanking him for the Street light analysis he recently performed.  His analysis is being incorporated into Central Maine Power’s replacement and updating of existing Rangeley street lights with LED dark sky compliant lights.
The Selectmen tabled, until their next meeting, agenda items pertaining to an IRS penalty update and a ratification of General Reserve Expenditures on pay increases.
All Town roads have been posted to heavy loads until further notice.
The next meeting date is April 5, 2021 with a Public Hearing on the draft Town Meeting Warrant at 5:00pm and the regularly scheduled Selectmen’s meeting at 6:00pm.