LIVERMORE — The Livermore Select Board met on May 21 to make several key appointments and address ongoing issues, including the enforcement of regulations at Brettuns Pond Beach.

The Select Board addressed the installation of new signs at Brettuns Pond Beach to enforce the beach ordinance adopted last year. The ordinance was introduced in response to numerous complaints about late-night activities and other disturbances at the pond.

“Last year, we adopted a beach ordinance because we didn’t have one,” Selectperson Scott Richmond said. “We were having complaints down there, but without the ordinance, we couldn’t do anything about the complaints.” The new signs are designed to clearly communicate the rules and operating hours of the beach.

“Now it is closed when it is dark,” Administrative Assistant Carrie Judd said. “They put up two big signs. They are amazing. They are huge.”

“Water in Livermore is one of our biggest assets, and to hear people call it ‘diaper pond’; it hurts,” Selectperson Joshua Perkins said.  “I don’t believe it is our residents.”

The signs also clarify that the beach is open from dawn to dusk and that the police can now enforce the regulations. Additionally, it was confirmed that the boat launch, previously thought to be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, belongs to the town, allowing for local rulemaking regarding its use.

Chair Mark Chretien recalled the impact of a past article from August 2022. “The Livermore Falls Advertiser wrote an article quoting Richmond saying ‘we are going to shut down the beach’,” Chretien said. The article reported on severe issues on the beach.

“Boy, did my phone ring.” Chretien said. “Guess what? There were all kinds of volunteers. You have to use reverse psychology once and awhile.”

The Select Board also agreed to install surveillance cameras in 2018 for added protection for the area. The Select Board agreed that the goal is to preserve Livermore’s natural resources and ensure a safe and enjoyable environment.

In other business, Chretien was reappointed chair, and Brett Deyling was reappointed vice chair.

A significant focus was on the appointments to the Regional School Unit 73 board of directors. Director Holly Morris, who had not taken out nomination papers for her two-year position due to dissatisfaction with recent developments, was appointed for a one-year term. Morris expressed her commitment to the board, stating, “I am starting to get my feet under me as far as being on the school board. There have been a few issues that have come up that have been important to the residents and myself, and I have tried to vote the right way on those things.”

Danielle Romanoff, a newcomer to the area with a background in mathematics education, was also considered for the position. “I taught at RSU 4 in the past,” she said. “We came back to Maine when my husband retired,” Romanoff said.

Despite her qualifications, the board decided to appoint Morris due to her existing experience. Selectperson Richmond noted, “It does take some time to get your feet under you, and since Holly has the experience, that is where I am going.”

Andy Sylvester, who had initially turned in paperwork for a three-year term but was impacted by an election oversight, was appointed for a one-year term. Richmond acknowledged the mistake and appreciated Sylvester’s willingness to accept the appointment, saying, “We screwed up his seat, and he has graciously let us appoint him for one year rather than have a special election.”

Sylvester supported Morris’ appointment, stating, “I have had the pleasure to serve with Holly for the last two years. She has been a great asset. She is learning the mechanics of how things have gone. I think she has represented the town well and will continue to do so.”