The Chairman of the Edgecomb Board of Selectmen, Jack Sarmanian, is preparing to travel to Joplin, Mo. to assist in recovery efforts after the town was devastated by an F-5 tornado on May 22 that killed 141 people. Sarmanian, who has an extensive background in mental health administration, will work in a volunteer capacity for the Red Cross after recently completing a training course.
“When they first contacted me I thought I was going to Alabama,” Sarmanian said at a select board meeting June 6. “They just informed that I would be needed in Joplin where there are obviously a lot of problems.”
Sarmanian said he would be helping relief workers with the everyday stress and fatigue associated with their effort.
“It’s about teaching and maintaining proper space during the effort,” he said after the meeting. “It’s about supporting reality for these people so they stay grounded.”
Sarmanian said he was not sure when he would be leaving, but because of the assignment he could be gone for all, if not most, of July. In response, Edgecomb resident Jaryl Larsen thanked Sarmanian for his altruistic spirit, sentiments echoed by both Selectmen Jessica Chubbuck and Stuart Smith.
In other business, the Board asked Edgecomb Fire Chief Roy Potter for an update on the construction of the town’s new fire station. Potter said crews from Rockport based Penobscot Company were scheduled to pour the “floor” on June 7.
Potter also said the town’s new fire engine, a 1991 Beck Custom Pumper, was temporarily being stored at his residence. The issue of scheduled payments to the Penobscot Company was also briefly debated.
Under the terms of the town’s contract, the company must be paid within seven days of an approved warrant by the board.
“That’s asking a lot, usually it’s within 30 days,” said Town Clerk Claudia Coffin.
Jen Elkins, who maintains the minutes of every board meeting, researched the topic via her laptop and promptly put an end to the confusion.
“According to the building committee’s minutes, the owner should make payment within seven days following the approval of the select board warrant. If payment is delayed, the Penobscot Company will charge 12 percent interest if not received within 30 days,” read Elkins.
The Board also agreed to begin a summer schedule for meetings. As of June 6, the Selectmen will meet every two weeks and for special purposes, including the signing of time sensitive warrants.
The Edgecomb Board of Selectmen will next meet on June 20 at 6 p.m.
