It's been a busy summer for the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency. In July, the department responded to a Damariscotta emergency. The agency assisted in the response to Chasse Marine Co.'s explosion that resulted in a massive fire. On Aug. 21, EMA responded to two emergencies: a Bristol plane crash and a 10-hour police standoff in Whitefield.

During the commissioners' Sept. 15 meeting, Director Emily Huber updated commissioners about the most recent emergency, in Boothbay Harbor. County EMA assisted Boothbay Harbor police and Boothbay Harbor and Boothbay firefighters in controlling a Sept. 4 propane leak behind the Meadow Mall.

Huber told commissioners her agency provided barricades to divert traffic away from the emergency. The agency also set up a command center at BRYMCA. She also attended an "After Action Report" hearing held by the two local fire departments.

She reported the propane leak was found in a 1,000-gallon propane tank. First responders evacuated the mall and later requested an evacuation within a two-mile area. Huber said the mall remained closed from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. while first responders isolated the leak and later repaired it. 

"An I-Pause alert went out by text to everyone within a two-mile radius of the propane tanks. So, if you were out hiking, you still got notified," she said. Huber added, the After Action Report included an incident post-evaluation of first responders’ actions.

In other action, commissioners approved purchasing a 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe for the EMA for $48,758. Commissioners authorized purchasing in-vehicle equipment for a new police cruiser. The sheriff's department will pay Island Tech of Wiscasset $12,284 for installation.

A second payment authorization was made for installing car radio repeaters in two police cruisers, The sheriff's department contracted with RCM (Radio Communications Management) of Portland to purchase and install a repeater to boost car radio signals. The county will pay RCM $5,687 for the equipment and installation.

Communications Center Director Tara Doe reported the resignation of reserve dispatcher Emily Salley. 

Commissioners approved a waiver of reallocation for Central Maine Power regarding two Waldoboro housing projects. Lincoln County used American Rescue Plan Act funds in providing three-phase power for the two projects. One is for the redevelopment of the former A.D. Gray School property. The other is for a new, nearby affordable housing project. The waiver allows CMP not to charge a new connection fee for the three-phase power, said County Administrator Carrie Kipfer.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 in the courthouse.