08 Jan WCME Midcoast News Thursday January 8

Leave of Absence

In Freeport, a medical leave of absence for Fire Chief Darrel Fournier, who says he will take time at the end of this month to recover from surgery for an unspecified ailment. But the chief says this situation is unrelated to controversy about possible conflict of interest associated with a former part-time job from which he resigned. The chief was employed by Paul Davis Restoration, a company specializing in dealing with damage caused by fire, smoke and water.

Raising Fishing Fees

In Brunswick, a new move in the process of raising the license fee for shellfish harvesters. The town’s marine resources committee has unanimously agreed to recommend that the town council raise the fee from 300-500 dollars, but with the provision that harvesters who perform conservation work would see their fee remain at its current level.

Getting a Better Handle on Big Events

In Bath, there is some concern about the use of city property, such as parks, to stage some large events without formal notice to the city, so police chief Michael Field is suggesting that the city council adopt an events policy. Event holders may be required to fill out a form detailing their plans and in some cases they may have to meet liability requirements.