Dexter council discusses management of dam

DEXTER – Issues regarding the future management of Wassookeag Dam were discussed Thursday by the Town Council.

Town Manager Robert Simpson said the Utility District Board and the district superintendent expressed concerns to him at a recent meeting about the district’s ability to manage the water level because of the limited-size gate in the dam and about the flow of water around the riprap.

The town owns the dam and is responsible for its maintenance. Because the utility district maintains the water level, it also has been operating the dam.

Simpson said there is no danger posed by the dam, but suggested that the council meet with utility district directors to address their concerns. A joint meeting was approved by the council, although no date was set for the meeting.

The council may want to conduct a study to look at the dam’s structure, and the alternatives and impacts if the flow were increased, according to Simpson. Such a study would be required if the town were to pursue any federal or state grants to address the concerns.

Also this week, the council continued its discussion on the future operation of the Dexter Municipal Golf Course. Faced by a loss in revenue, the council agreed to advertise next week for parties interested in a three-year lease with the town to operate the municipal-owned golf course. Simpson said he has had four inquiries about the proposal to date.

The council adopted a resolution to delegate authority to Dexter Development Corp. to act on the town’s behalf in the Pine Tree Zone process. Town officials have agreed to be a part of the Penquis Pine Tree Zone with Newport and Piscataquis County.

In his report, Simpson noted that Winter Carnival would be held Feb. 14 and 15 and would include fireworks. He also said the municipal office would go back to its regular hours because of the limited response to the extended hours recently offered.

James Emerson was appointed as interim police chief upon the retirement of Chief David Clukey; William Mason was appointed to the SAD 46 board of directors until November to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Gary Sinclair; and Dalton Mullis was appointed as alternate plumbing inspector.