Position open for Community Center Manager: Community Center Manager Position Summary The Community Center Manager is responsible for the overall administration, operation, and coordination of a multi-use community business center and plaza. The Manager is responsible for Center development, working toward a goal of making the Center revenue neutral.  In addition, this position oversees daily facility operations, tenant and lease management, fitness center administration, staff supervision, financial controls, scheduling, public engagement, and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements. The Manager serves as the primary public-facing representative of the Community Business Center and works closely with municipal leadership to ensure efficient, safe, and community-focused operations. Supervision Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Board of Selectmen or their designee. Supervision Exercised: Supervises all CommunityCenter employees, contractors, instructors, and volunteers as applicable. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Business Development   Develop programs and strategies to increase the revenue stream from Community Center operations  Facility Operations Manage the day-to-day operations of the Community Center including the fitness center Coordinate with the Maintenance Supervisor regarding facility repairs, equipment maintenance, safety issues, and general upkeep.   Ensure the facility operates in a safe, efficient, and welcoming manner for staff, tenants, and the public. Tenant & Lease Management Oversee all aspects of leased commercial and office spaces within the Community Center. Fitness Center Administration Oversee daily operations of the fitness center. Accept, review, process, and manage fitness memberships.  Purchase and maintain fitness equipment in coordination with the Maintenance Supervisor. Ensure smooth and safe operation of all fitness-related programs and spaces. Programs, Events & Scheduling Schedule facility rentals, events, committee meetings, kitchen use, recreation activities, and fitness classes. Establish event-specific and monthly rental fees for use of Community Center spaces. Assist the public with information regarding programs, events, tenants, craft fairs, fundraisers, and services. Staffing & Supervision Hire, train, schedule, and supervise Community Center staff. Monitor staff performance and ensure compliance with town policies and procedures. Coordinate scheduling and supervision of recreation activities, fitness classes, and instructors. Provide direction to custodial staff working in the facility  Financial Administration Assure that the Center’s systems reflect best practices for accounting, finance and management of the Center Collect, process, and record all payments related to fitness memberships, rentals, classes, events, and lease agreements. Prepare daily and weekly cash reconciliations for all transactions. Maintain accurate financial and operational records in compliance with municipal and legal standards. Public Relations & Communications Serve as the primary point of contact for the public, responding to inquiries in person, by phone, email, and social media. Maintain and update Community Center websites, social media platforms, and email communications. Receive, distribute, and prepare incoming and outgoing correspondence, including mail and electronic communications. Regulatory Oversight, Compliance & Record Keeping Maintain all necessary permits and approvals necessary for the operations of the Center, including but not limited to: Maine Department of Agriculture - (kitchen license) Maine State Fire Marshall (Dance permit) Maine Municipal Association - Insurance Health Inspection Maintain Community Center records in both paper and digital formats as required by law. Coordinate insurance-based health and wellness programs, including but not limited to Tivity and Renew. Prepare advertising, monthly reporting, and recordkeeping for insurance and wellness programs in coordination with the Town Treasurer. Assist with grant-related documentation and reporting as requested. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Business development expertise Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with town officials, employees, tenants, vendors, and the general public. Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and work independently. Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills. Proficiency in general office procedures and Microsoft Excel. Knowledge of fitness center operations and public programming preferred. Education and Experience Proven track record of business development preferred. Considerable experience in fitness, health, public relations, community programming, or facility management preferred. Supervisory experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, facilities management, or related field preferred Work Schedule Salaried, full-time position. Hours to be determined based on operational needs, including evenings and weekends as required. Compensation Salary range $60 - $65K  based on qualifications and experience. Please mail resumes along with references to 25 School House Road Orland Maine 04472 or send them via email [email protected]

5 Town Dam Committee

Representatives from the 5 Town Dam Committee met at the Bucksport Town Office on Wednesday, December 18th to discuss new developments regarding Bucksport Mill LLC’s petition to abandon the Toddy, Alamoosook, and Silver Lake dams.  

 

Outreach Enhancements 

The group discussed enhanced efforts to increase public awareness of the status of the dams and to encourage citizens to contribute to funding the costs incurred by the 5 Towns for legal representation in our discussions with the current dam owner.  In addition to the current effort to distribute our bi-weekly statement via print media,  email, website posts, and Facebook page postings the group is looking for additional avenues to engage with citizens. 

 

Ownership Models

It is recognized that the Silver Lake dam is very unique in that it is a public water supply and also provides cooling water for an electricity generating plant.  Its future most likely will follow a different path from that of the Alamoosook and Toddy dams.  

 

The four towns abutting Alamoosook Lake and Toddy Pond believe the State of Maine should conclude that there is sufficient justification (regional recreational value; important fish, bird, and other wildlife habitat) for the state to assume ownership of the dams. However, the towns also believe that developing an alternative ownership contingency plan is prudent given the uncertainties and time frames involved. Thus the four towns associated with Alamoosook and Toddy have been working with our local legislators to have special bipartisan legislation introduced in the state legislature that would create waterfront protection districts that would have the authority to 1) own and operate the dam creating the relevant body of water (Alamoosook and Toddy) 2) assess special taxes/fees on property owners fronting the respective water body and those with deeded access, and 3) potentially incorporate a provision for mandatory contributions by abutting municipalities to defray a portion of the dam ownership costs.

 

There are numerous local water districts formed by similar legislation that provide potable water within the defined district area, charging water rates to users in order to generate funds for operating and capital costs.

 

Although these districts are not the preferred outcome, the four towns believe that, if successfully formed, they would provide a long-term solution to maintaining the dams and the lake/pond water levels, since the taxing authority would provide a relatively certain, stable source of funds for operations. Private ownership of the dams exposes both the property owners and the municipalities to a variety of risks, such as inadequate funding, a new petition to abandon the dam, bankruptcy, and lack of representation/control by the property owners.

 

While creating this entity can be done via legislation at the state level, Implementation of this effort would be completely subject to municipal voter approval.  The group will seek public input on the details of the design and will be gauging the public support for such an entity.  

 

Legislative Support

Steve Bishop – HD 17 Representative, and David Haggan Senate District 10 along with HD- 36 Representative Kim Haggan attended the meeting.  All three pledged support for the bipartisan legislation and offered their assistance in working with DEP to gain support for the Towns.