The City of Knox continues gearing up for the new Common Collabs facility. Mayor Dennis Estok says Territorial Engineering presented sewer and water extension plans to the board of works last week.
“It’s ready to bid out,” Estok explains. “The specs are done and engineered out. And basically, what we’ll do is wait until, probably, they start excavating for the new building or actually start building the new building. That’s when we’re going to release the bids and get that done. But we just want to make sure that everything goes through before we spend money on that.”
Common Collabs plans to make cold brew coffee, branded bottled water and other packaged beverages at a facility in the Knox Industrial Park.
Select Board Chairman Ken McKinley said at the workshop outset that a majority of the goals presented will be for the town manager. In previous years, the board and town manager presented their goals and ranked the entire list, which was counterproductive, according to McKinley.
This year, the group will use the system started last year of prioritizing the top three goals for the town manager, although some of the goals proposed will be the responsibility of the select board.
At the workshop, board members presented their individual goals followed by a group discussion.
During the next few weeks, members will review the list of suggested goals and rank their top three with the possibility of also selecting a few secondary goals.
At its Aug. 14 meeting, the select board will further discuss the goals and then vote on adopting them.
The proposed goals for 2017-2018, not in any particular order, are:
Host a business forum (with the focus of bringing new businesses to town)
Develop a handbook for town committees and develop a committee chair handbook including guidelines how to work with town staff (select board goal)
Library: involve the community in the process for a vote on the June 2018 ballot.
Develop a comprehensive plan
Increase civic involvement (select board goal)
Police force: how to increase officer recruitment, retainment, etc.
Explore efficiencies with the town of Camden
Implement a capital improvement plan and budget
Maintain culture for town employees
Review the Bok family deed: determine who are the heirs, making an amendment to the deed?
Public Works grounds and buildings responsibilities
Making zero based budgeting part of next budget process
Road acceptance issues
Focus on ways to develop financial stability for the town to limit mil rate growth
Route 1 sewer extension
Develop a long-term plan for the West Rockport fire station
Create a budget help document that is more concise
The Select Board meeting will be held on Monday, August 14, at 7 p.m. at the Rockport Opera House Meeting Room. The meeting will be streamed at livestream.com/Rockportmaine
