FAYETTE — During the Nov. 26 Select Board meeting, Town Manager Mark Robinson shared updates on several town initiatives, including a conversation with the Maine Preservation Historic Society, the handling of four ballots during the recent election and plans for community programming. In a follow-up phone call, Robinson provided further updates on ARPA funds.

Robinson said his conversation with the Maine Preservation Historic Society was well-received. The organization was pleased with the referendum results from the November election, which they described as a positive outcome. In November, voters voted to block the sale of Starling Hall. 

Reflecting on the election process, Robinson noted an issue with four ballots not being read by the electronic tabulation machine. The ballots,  which included three general election and one referendum ballot, were ultimately counted, but Robinson emphasized the need for proper procedures in future elections. “It is unfortunate, but it did happen,” he said, adding that the state election officials confirmed all 881 ballots were included in the count.

Robinson also reported that the town has over $3 million earning interest, including $1.5 million in bonds. He expressed optimism about maintaining strong tax payment rates and the town’s overall financial standing.

The board discussed the creation of a Parks and Recreation Committee to enhance community programming. The proposed charge includes activities for all ages, with a focus on both active and passive recreation. The committee will consist of three to seven members, including one Select Board representative and members will serve one-year terms. “We are letting people know of the creation of the Parks and Rec Committee,” Robinson said in a follow-up. Chair Lacy Badeau emphasized the importance of encouraging volunteer participation, particularly for older residents.

“If we can offer social gatherings for interaction, it will be very beneficial,” she said. Applications for the committee will be reviewed in January.

Robinson also provided an update on the All Ages Friendly Committee, which was created earlier this fall. “A subset of that group is working on a way to connect Fayette residents through a very reasonable and approachable manner so people are connected,” Robinson explained. “Especially when you have events like the storms we have, power outages – if somebody needs support, we want to make sure the connections are made, and they get the support they need.”

The board discussed sponsoring a veteran for the Honor Flight program, which provides veterans with free trips to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials. The program costs approximately $1,000 per participant. While selectman Brian Holman suggested focusing on the town’s oldest veteran, Robinson noted that the process is “a little more complicated than we first thought” due to a long waitlist. Badeau suggested community fundraising efforts, such as setting up bottle collection boxes, to help cover the costs. The board plans to revisit the discussion after gathering additional information.

Robinson proposed the use of remaining ARPA funds for a digital sign to improve public communication. He originally noted approximately $24,000 was available with a December deadline, but clarified in a later phone call that the town has “exhausted and obligated all of our ARPA money.” Robinson said the digital sign remains “important, to at least a couple of select people,” and if the board wishes to pursue the project, it could be funded through a reserve account or another source. “It is a work in progress,” he said.

Additionally, Robinson noted that Fayette has launched a new town website, which features a refreshed layout and updated information for residents.

The board also highlighted upcoming events, including the next monthly game night at Starling Hall, which is held on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., and a future meeting for the All Ages Friendly Committee.

The next Select Board meeting originally scheduled for Dec. 10, was rescheduled to Dec. 17.