Quarterly Newsletter for the Town of Dexter, Maine 04930

November 4th Elections Tuesday, November 4th is the date for the 2003 state and local general elections. On the local ballot residents will have the opportunity to elect representation for the Town Council, School Board of Directors, Dexter Utility District Board of Trustees, and the Hospital Administrative District #4 Board of Directors. Candidates for the two vacancies on the Town Council are Ella Munday, Malcolm Dow, and Peter Haskell. Richard Bilodeau, John Chenevert, and Shawn Lancaster are running unopposed for the three vacancies on the SAD #46 Board of Directors. Peter Mealey is seeking reelection as a Dexter Utility District Trustee, and Al Tempesta is running unopposed to retain his seat as a Hospital Administrative District #4 Director. Items on the state referendum ballot include one question with three options that deal with tax proposals impacting the way education is funded, one question seeking approval to allow slot machines at certain commercial horse racing tracks, and one question seeking approval to allow a casino to be run by the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation. Three additional questions are being presented to voters that deal with proposed state bond issues. Sample ballots may be viewed at the Dexter Town Office. Don't just talk about voting and the issues….get out and cast a ballot! Its quick and easy, and if you're not currently registered you can even register at the polls.

Where Do I Vote? Election voting polls will be set up in the VFW Hall on Cedar Street. Polls will be open from 9:00AM until 8:00PM. If you have questions concerning the election or voter registration please contact Shelley Watson at 924-7351.

Voting by Absentee Ballot In the event you'll be unable to get to the polls on election day, registered voters can vote via absentee ballot. In order to acquire an absentee ballot, the registered voter can visit the Town Office or request a ballot by phone or by mail. A third person can also pick up an absentee ballot for a registered voter, but only the voter can designate a 3rd person to deliver a ballot and it must be done through a written request. There are a number of special requirements associated with voting via absentee ballot and those can be best explained by our Town Clerk/Registrar of Voters. If you have questions concerning absentee voting please call or stop by the Town Office.

Dial 9-1-1 for Emergency Service If you require police, fire, or ambulance service to respond to an emergency you should Dial 9-1-1. The appropriate public safety agency will be dispatched through the Penobscot Regional Communication Center in Bangor. If you wish to contact the Dexter Police on non-emergency matters, you may call 924-7622 during normal operating hours.

2003 Annual Town Report We're in the final phase of assembling the 2003 Town Report. If your group or organization would like to be included in this year's report please let us know. For more information call the Town Manager at 924-7351. If all goes as planned we should have the 2003 Town Reports ready for distribution shortly after the first of the year.

Town of Dexter Web Site Check out the Town of Dexter Web site on the Internet at www.dextermaine.org. The site is a great source of information about the community, current events, and local business. We've got a great site that's received a lot of attention and many favorable comments. Want to keep up to date on municipal affairs.....then this is “one stop shopping”, and it's “user friendly”!

New Town Office Hours Beginning in November the Town Office customer service counter will be open on Thursdays until 7:00PM. We are expanding our hours to accommodate residents who normally don't have the opportunity to do business during the regular operating hours. We're also operating with the new hours in an effort to support some of our Main Street businesses that plan to remain open late on Thursdays. Operating hours for other Town Office functions such as the Assessor, Human Services, CEO, and Tax Collector will remain 9AM - 5PM, Monday through Friday. We're going to try the extended hours on a trial basis through December. If there is a positive response it will become a permanent change in operating hours

Give Your Business A Boost! Did you know that the Town maintains a roster of local businesses and you can also post your business name and phone number on the Town's Web Site. We also offer use of the Town Council Chamber windows for month-long displays by small businesses, artists, or craftsmen. If you'd like to take advantage of these FREE services, contact the Town Office.

Dexter Day Care After nearly 28 years in operation the Dexter Day Care officially closed it's doors on October 1st. Lois Inman, Director of Dexter Day Care cites increasing costs, reduced state support, and decreasing number of children as the primary factors influencing the decision to close. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Lois and all of the employees of Dexter Day Care who helped contribute to this valuable service over the years.

Municipal Parking Lot Permits If you leave your vehicles in any of the municipal parking lots overnight you must have a permit issued by the Dexter Police Department. Overnight parking without a permit is prohibited and violators are subject to a fine of $25 for each offense. If you require a permit call the Dexter Police Department at 924-7622.

Recreation Department Moving! On or about November 1st the Recreation Department will move from its office in the Morrison Building to its new location on the ground floor of the Old Town Hall. The new telephone number for the Recreation Director will be 924-3438.

Attention Dog Owners Dog licenses for 2004 are now available in the Town Office. Current proof of rabies immunization and certificate of neutering or spaying (if applicable) is required. Licenses are $10.00 per dog unless the animal is spayed or neutered, in which case the fee is $6.00. A $15.00 late fee will be charged on all licenses issued after January 31, 2004. Remember, your pets rely on you for their welfare, please be their best friend and take care of their needs.

Reminder From The Tax Collector Property owners are reminded that their 2003-2004 property taxes must be paid no later than November 26th in order to avoid interest being applied to the unpaid balance. The current interest rate on unpaid taxes is 7%. Also, residents should be aware that they may qualify for the State sponsored property tax relief program for homeowners or renters. Qualification for the program is based on income. If you have a spouse or dependents, the income limit is now $46,300. If you are not married and do not have dependents, the income limit is $29,900. The deadline for filing for the refund is December 31, 2003. You can pick up the forms at the town office or download them from the State of Mainewebsite at www.maine.gov/revenue.

Universal Solid Waste Disposal State and Federal laws mandate that we now must manage potentially hazardous unwanted waste items differently than in the past. These items are now known as Universal Wastes because they are hazardous wastes generated by all of us in our homes and places of work. Special handling, storage, and disposal for items such as TVs, Computer Monitors, Florescent Bulbs, and devices containing Mercury have necessitated the implementation of a new user fee schedule which will impact both residents and businesses. A list of the fee structure is available at the Town Office or the Transfer Station.

Dexter Development Corporation The Dexter Regional Development Corporation was created with the primary objectives of promoting and assisting in furthering economic development in the area as well as providing oversight for a variety of unique and diversified economic and community development projects. The Corporation membership meets monthly and all meetings are open to the general public. Persons interested in being a part of this effort should contact Judy Craig (924-3067) or David Pearson (924-7351).

Welcome to New Businesses Since publication of our last newsletter we've had four new businesses open their doors in Dexter. Mr Paperback recently moved from Newport to its new address on Main Street across from Reny's. The store specializes in books, magazines and gifts, and will soon have the old fashioned soda fountain operating. Another new arrival on Main Street is the Country Charm Gift Shoppe operated by Dawn and Alan Wintle. They specialize in country crafts, Boyd Bears and Lang Calendars. On Labor Day weekend the Brick Alley Ice Cream Shoppe opened its doors for business. Richard Demuth, shop owner, offers a variety of Gifford's ice cream as well as gifts and novelties. It's encouraging to see new businesses on Main Street, and we urge residents to support these new establishments as well as other Dexter businesses.

Toys For Tots Anyone wishing to donate money or toys for this year's Toys for Tots program may do so by contacting Linda Clukey, our Human Services Director, at 924-7351. Applications to take advantage of this program will be available in the Town Office by November 14th, and must be returned by December 15th.

Want to Serve on a Town Board or Committee? Municipal Boards and Committees perform a vital role in the conduct of Town government in Maine. The Town of Dexter relies heavily on these groups to develop plans and programs for the community. We currently have positions available on a number of boards and committees. Persons interested in being appointed to a board or committee should obtain an application at the Town Office. Remember, your participation and input on issues can make a difference!

Municipal Christmas Tree Lighting The annual municipal Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is planned for Friday, December 12th at 5:00PM. The tree will be located at Ronco Park Gazebo on Grove Street. We'll sing some carols, have some refreshments, and Santa will arrive just in time to participate in the tree lighting.

Having A Special Event? If your group or organization is having a special event and would like to have it included on our monthly municipal calendar then give us a call at the Town Office. Your event can also be placed on the Town's web site at www.dextermaine.org. This service is FREE, just call or stop by the Town Office!

Hunting Reminder Hunting as well as the discharge of firearms on Town property is prohibited by ordinance. This includes the airport As well as other Town recreation areas. Violators are subject to fine and prosecution.

Winter Road Rules With winter rapidly approaching this is a good time to touch on the subject of snow removal and winter driving. Our goal for winter road maintenance is to provide the safest road conditions possible under prevailing conditions, and we attempt to have the roads and streets cleared to accommodate peak traffic periods. During the winter months, and especially during snow storms, there is a parking ban on Town streets and roads between the hours of 1 AM and 7 AM. Persons who violate the ban will be subject to a fine as well as having their vehicle towed. Residents are also reminded that when plowing or shoveling drives or walkways it's illegal to deposit snow and slush on any public way. This includes roads, intersections, parking lots, and sidewalks.

The accidental destruction of mailboxes often becomes a very sensitive subject as the winter season progresses. Mailboxes installed in the right-of-way are placed there at the owner's risk, and the Town is not obliged to repair damaged posts or boxes. However, if your post is knocked down by a plow you should report the incident to the Town Office. We have temporary posts that can be used to get you through the winter and insure your mail service is uninterrupted. You can help reduce the possibility of having a mailbox damaged by clearing away snow banks around the box and post so it's fully visible to our plow truck drivers.

Finally, remember that winter driving demands your full attention. Courtesy, patience, and a thorough understanding of your vehicle as well as your personal limitations are all factors that can make your winter driving experience "uneventful".

Municipal Services Directory Town Office 924-7351