[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6550136,"mediaKeyId","5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1","parentId",5416254,"title","Transfer station: town spent $48,213 in June on disposal; recycling saved $18,733","audioSeconds",108,"startMs",439000,"endMs",547000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1&start=439&end=547","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1/thumbnail_439000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6550136/Maine/Transfer-station-town-spent-48213-in-June-on-disposal-recycling-saved-18733","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550136-2f86f42f55d953f54edb6a716c39830a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770577838&Signature=BO94iQwyyhCwIkv5ExkjA8VeOpONEolHYB8ROAjKA4LZNWh5gxYCTEXl-Kr~GH8~BA5ue3nCGn-z20I9XG0QK8wfNFHSsYV0QZSGtC7PjkDCtCvCZszqWhs4tBRpDR6MvWQFCT1~iZT5gNqa~wD3mmST6c6naQ5PgZPoZJl-gCGk2ndKFUzggK95kncwLxHXvpnbZNnQJKZRHLwvQsZnyhUrU3LOTsS6S3OVFARL2w--MwBJvJGqH9tH776iQYeqLRRW~5E9QwtLlrVLvchjV1U0UEL73ntXe~MkEg6TF~G~5zo9RRXJCDXLLeAa7~utf3isvFci-fykJJ4YX~iW2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Skowhegan, ME ","date","2025-07-08T00:00:00Z","article","Transfer station staff updated the Select Board on solid-waste costs and recycling performance, reporting the town’s second monthly disposal bill for June totaled $48,213 and that recycling activities and sales reduced the town’s net disposal cost by $18,733.

A transfer station staff member asked residents, “Please do not dispose of any fireworks at the transfer station. Whether you think they're empty boxes or not, please.” She said the site continues to receive large quantities of books and reusable items and that a free area at the facility is available for residents to claim usable goods.

The staff member noted recyclables placed beside the road are still common and encouraged residents to use the facility’s free drop-off — no sticker required — to preserve tax dollars.

Board members thanked staff for the report. No board action was required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 8, 2025 Selectboard Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Town transfer station staff reported June disposal costs of $48,213 and said recycling efforts saved the town $18,733; staff urged residents not to place fireworks in recycling and highlighted a free area for reusable items.","taxTitle","Selectmen, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine","taxId",72630,"location","Maine","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6550141,"Lights Up Productions details Opera House renovations, announces grant and large costume donation",335,763000,1098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1&start=763&end=1098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1/thumbnail_763000.jpg","/articles/6550141/Maine/Lights-Up-Productions-details-Opera-House-renovations-announces-grant-and-large-costume-donation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550141-09647e8f3030a64242edee9ea808cff8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770577838&Signature=lk~aNOvZNdcWlldJomTTzXUhx5HXLbGc-ImCq~swGMnapdO6FE7rP1ID45NoVGPHHvHHXL4Y7VeelBT8tcPSc5~hfhVc-7KZpyskmiwmA1W4XeL~ZYxlClEfN~jYm7dgt3-3EHeUpuAjb3-qdO2skKd52Rxe64PMSlGATVE3ogFfaBdAKFGpG2VPtyY0pdtUcQn9lk~zBDAJXqXD1wM~Lu3vD6Unjezp36dodfoHHaVqkJQvp745XYbmjdmvFw6haqql1IXUKe8yVBCi3b~PN2YdpRMrU03LtLXl5e37pWg9JElq3W~AtTQRMKmnKCAb23ggBQtrZQJk~k-YPKf3BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lynn Gavoni, president of Lights Up Productions, updated the Select Board and attendees on renovation and programming plans for the Skowhegan Opera House and described recent donations and upcoming community events.

Gavoni said the nonprofit is in year two of a three-year lease with the town and that the group recently received a $1,000 technical assistance grant through Main Street Skowhegan to hire a grant writer. She also announced a donation of costumes and props from Colby College with an estimated value of about $100,000; volunteers delivered “truckloads” of materials, she said.

Gavoni outlined a free public tour and talk of the Opera House on Wednesday, July 16, with two tour times at 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., and a free, condensed production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Coburn Park (Friday and Saturday evenings, with a matinee Sunday, Aug. 3). She encouraged residents and town employees to attend and said proceeds from optional donations will go to a Lights Up Productions Capital Improvements Fund.

“We would love to see some town employees join us for these tours as well,” she said, and offered a website and social pages for more information.

Board members thanked Gavoni for the update and welcomed the organization’s programming and fundraising efforts. The presentation was informational and no formal board action was taken.","Lights Up Productions told the Select Board it is entering the second year of a three-year lease on the Skowhegan Opera House, has received a $1,000 technical assistance grant, and accepted a large donation of costumes and props from Colby College estimated at $100,000.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6550146,"Select Board renews Miller’s Table liquor license; member discloses conflict and abstains",153,1529000,1682000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1&start=1529&end=1682","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1/thumbnail_1529000.jpg","/articles/6550146/Maine/Select-Board-renews-Millers-Table-liquor-license-member-discloses-conflict-and-abstains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550146-9379ae6c0242513a613c776dcf70b120/orig.mp4?Expires=1770577838&Signature=i1huOMopes4h3rxGbPh3gu93W0e04ZRAhSZqIWy99M57M01gDQzkG4mvJ0JMHFp3Dj510ntJH33SyGTtI8aw45fAjQuqHyLwvjgWb51icES~xZjBg23EkRxV1mm2FQQ-duk0S7575nmVRut9u4ZXAc~x77~cOpj0rK2kmuIo-TeuWGcJyIUmp7aMfScAz-lQz1ggl8LZnWW~buhx0j3Nh8ofVinVuuaYxT7plGTddDWzGordb7BezI7Io4RY0kEa1smUdykRXZQR25JQG1m1PIGCtUvzWquQg8ZrEXC5Bha9JPO2ofHJFZ76lQw21UTSqxcqby1bHDLu1YL80Se2bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After a public hearing required for restaurants that serve alcohol, the Select Board approved the annual renewal of an on-premises beer, wine and spirits license for Miller’s Table at 42 Court Street.

Amber Epstein disclosed a conflict of interest before the hearing, saying, “Yes. I have a conflict tonight with number 1. I'm a co owner of the Miller's table.” She abstained from the decision. The board then voted to approve the license; the clerk recorded the motion as passing with four votes in favor and one abstention.

A town staff member explained that the hearing is routine: “It's it's required, that restaurants serving, alcohol, beer, or liquor have an annual, public hearing before the town work. So this is a routine annual renewal.” No opposition or conditions were raised during the hearing.

The board recorded the motion to approve the application and, with Epstein abstaining, the motion passed.","The Select Board held the routine annual public hearing and voted to renew the on-premises beer, wine and spirits license for Miller’s Table, 42 Court Street. Select Board member Amber Epstein disclosed a conflict of interest and abstained from the vote.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6550151,"Select Board accepts $30,000 ATV grant; debate centers on Russell Road access and neighborhood impacts",1998,2684000,4682000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1&start=2684&end=4682","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1/thumbnail_2684000.jpg","/articles/6550151/Maine/Select-Board-accepts-30000-ATV-grant-debate-centers-on-Russell-Road-access-and-neighborhood-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550151-d3fdc0bc73a4f83c10d7bec0e2c8444b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770577838&Signature=GDvMd8MMSqhAz7B6LGlhn8oJwBuysUqHkjkW5wdtWaJ8GT2~0BXCAAH4F14kgtZQZj1J2eCY5rhQUWLJhA7UBhpMCBMbRsJM8mQuw681jIV7awFN5ErHf4xLgYHxdcfSbMIQIopNvFd1U3Ntqw7GbMl-WdVz3ruORlail1HX08ezGyv2IdbaLgkRmeodUku7LvJT1SpYBlJ42fIaOdTG-YkBM0M1GueIHTBdzpg3FPSKWS2clsmASoYnnzfm4lsy7pNRRN8hW0JzzG9WgpytkJ1HgBqmFXhV9zB80gJiVko5DvijiO6t8RPgLVPTPMhpUnFDLAuSaZDt9zYOHMx1TQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Select Board voted 5-0 to accept and expend a $30,000 municipal grant awarded to the Skowhegan Area Stump Jumpers ATV Club, a reimbursement grant that requires a 10% local match. The board’s action passed after an extended public discussion about routes, signage, enforcement and potential neighborhood impacts.

Club representatives said the funds will finance trail upgrades including a new bridge and ditching work needed to connect northern commercial areas to the trail system. “This grant is going to be a huge part of our trail system. We have a $19,000 of this is to put in a new bridge,” Christopher White, the club’s trail master, told the board.

Staff and residents raised concerns about which public roads the club will use. Several speakers cited parts of an existing ordinance that lists permitted routes, and the police chief warned that sections of the route, in particular Bennett Avenue and parts of Russell Road that run through denser neighborhoods, may generate calls for service and safety concerns.

“We deal with crashes there all the time,” the police chief said, referring to the Bennett Avenue area. The chief suggested a cautious, stepwise approach and recommended more outreach to neighbors before opening more segments for ATV traffic.

Club leaders said they have communicated with landowners along sections of Bigelow Hill and Russell Road and plan to post access and curfew signage as required by the town. The club noted an immediate hurdle: signage costs. The trail master said he initially believed the grant would cover signs but learned it does not; he said buying the needed sign materials through the municipality would reduce costs. At one point he said, “An $800 bill is a lot better to come up with than 3,000.”

Select Board members proposed practical steps to manage risk: a provisional period for the trail, door‑to‑door outreach to adjacent landowners, and tracking police calls and complaints so the board can reassess if problems arise. “We could provisionally approve it for, like, a 6 month period to weed out any issues,” one board member suggested.

The board’s acceptance authorizes the town to act as a pass-through for grant reimbursement; town staff confirmed internal controls and explained they will review invoices and submit reimbursements to the state. Town staff also said some segments still require private landowner permissions and that the trail cannot fully open until all required signage and approvals are in place.

The vote was 5-0 in favor of accepting and expending the $30,000 grant; the club’s 10% match will be in-kind labor. Board members directed staff and the club to continue outreach and to return with inspection or signage updates as the project proceeds.","The Select Board approved a $30,000 reimbursement grant for the Skowhegan Area Stump Jumpers ATV Club but members, the police chief and residents debated which roads the club should use, sign costs and a trial approach to mitigate neighborhood impacts.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6550156,"Select Board approves polymer replacement and authorizes CSO tank cleaning as sewer-permit work continues",2043,273000,2316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1&start=273&end=2316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416254-e25ac072caf104a3cb42200cb6217dc1/thumbnail_273000.jpg","/articles/6550156/Maine/Select-Board-approves-polymer-replacement-and-authorizes-CSO-tank-cleaning-as-sewer-permit-work-continues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550156-f7140b9b9920d284c45ad083cc6233ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770577838&Signature=KlvpPVL~OaM3eRNbR2W2SjmAaon5kGwM6j5stv7I1sEGmQtNqtsZbbfI8EKqn-v-FHdFmeYvFiVTFNvepVpQgP1dShkIfXWa0lwPIXoOB~cvSXg9UEQjfnM34xULTYg6HoBC69lxmfMfcw7n3mYc9M~O7QjfYRdwkE3BZUBym87i4kSxQZ0CtxtRGVCN1yTU24sRYvSt3n2s-NdNij-GqGUcKP2PWtqnCK7AtI4tNunHRuJ8bFtBDxAiKBMhS0wanawnFh0xDmZVaqvsZHjKV3rRrGNVHJl2tHdim0CytI7Tcjg~4FyvC5hlPtpRVMOs5TEwAmdA0Z-qTU9vzGriWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Select Board voted to approve the replacement of a failing polymer “make down” unit for the wastewater dewatering system and to waive the routine quote process for cleaning and inspecting a town CSO tank as part of ongoing work to align local sewer rules with a state discharge permit.

The equipment replacement — not to exceed $18,855 from the pollution control capital reserve account — and the CSO cleaning and inspection authorization, an amount not to exceed $30,000, passed unanimously. Town staff said the steps are tied to a pending permit and long-running combined-sewer overflow upgrades.

Town public works staff described the need in detail. “We are obligated by the e DEP to issue that permit and to hold them responsible for any discharges outside of our sewer ordinance,” a staff member said, describing work to draft permit language that will require pretreatment and align town ordinance language with state expectations.

The staff member said the existing polymer unit that conditions sludge prior to dewatering dates to 02/2004, that the vendor Polyblend is no longer in business, and that a full replacement is recommended because retrofit or rebuild options are not available. “I recommend a complete replacement,” he said, and the board approved the purchase, with the staff member recommending the BERT Process Equipment polymer machine.

The board also authorized up to $30,000 from the pollution control capital reserve account — $25,000 to Vortex Service for tank cleaning and $5,000 to Grama Water Management for a flow-regulator inspection and possible repair report. Staff said the CSO tank has not been fully cleaned since it was installed, that its hydraulic flushing gates have not been operating correctly with the town’s SCADA system, and that cleaning will require closing the adjacent parking lot for about a week.

“We haven’t been able to get those flushing gates to sequence with our SCADA system, so we have to get in there,” the staff member said. He added that Grande, the original installer of the regulators and gates, still exists and will assist with specialized inspection work.

Board members and staff emphasized the connection between this work and a draft permit for an industrial discharger in town. The staff member said the factory will be required to monitor and control biological-oxygen-demand (BOD) loads and fats, oils and grease, and that the permit will obligate pretreatment “so the town is held harmless for what they do to us.”

Staff said the CSO Phase 6.2 separation work will include Millburn Street and Michael Street, separating stormwater from sanitary lines and affecting about 15 houses; the aim is to reduce reliance on overflow tanks and pumps.

The votes were unanimous. The board’s decisions fund immediate repairs and inspections while staff and the town’s engineers continue drafting permit language and revising the sewer ordinance to align fees and enforcement with current costs and regulatory expectations.","The Select Board approved a $18,855 expenditure to replace a polymer feed unit and authorized up to $30,000 to clean and inspect a combined-sewer-overflow (CSO) tank as the town works with engineers and lawyers to rewrite its sewer ordinance and draft a discharge permit for a local factory.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Transfer station: town spent $48,213 in June on disposal; recycling saved $18,733

Lights Up Productions details Opera House renovations, announces grant and large costume donation

Select Board renews Miller’s Table liquor license; member discloses conflict and abstains

Select Board accepts $30,000 ATV grant; debate centers on Russell Road access and neighborhood impacts

Select Board approves polymer replacement and authorizes CSO tank cleaning as sewer-permit work continues