Town of Raymond, Maine

The following changes will take place effective March 25th, 2020. To continue providing municipal services while also protecting members of our community and town employees by limiting contact and reducing the threat of exposure to COVID-19. These plans are subject to change.

All Town buildings are closed to the public until further notice.

The Town Office is operating on a limited basis under the State emergency Declaration. Effective immediately a new operating schedule and other changes will go into effect. The Town Office will have a small staff to answer phones and assist with online transactions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. We understand that some business still needs to be conducted and we ask that you call the Town Office at 207-655-4742 x124. Many of the transactions can be done online or via the phone with a debit or credit card. For other transactions you need to call the Town Office for instructions. See the link below for Town Office Transactions... FMI

Assessing, Code Enforcement and Planning services are unavailable until April 8th, 2020.

All internal and external meetings are cancelled or postponed until further notice. Online calendars will be updated to reflect meeting status. State guidance is expected shortly on allowable methods to legally conduct remote meetings under an emergency declaration.

To the degree possible in all circumstances recommended social distancing strategies will be used to minimize exposure to COVID-19.

All Town buildings will be thoroughly cleaned frequently according to recommended best health practices.

Property Tax payments can be placed in the drop box located in the front of the Town Office, paid online or if paying cash, can be made by calling 655-4742 x 124 for further instruction.

Material will be disseminated to the public via the Town’s website, Facebook page and electronic signage to help keep the public educated and informed.

The Public Safety Department in corporation with Raymond Age Friendly will compile a list of families and individuals that are at high risk to COVID-19 complications and/or to food and medication shortages. Public welfare phone checks will be conducted on a periodic basis, at least every three days or more frequently, if warranted.

Thank you for your ongoing assistance and cooperation.

Town Office Transactions with the Building Closed to the Public

Private Car Sale Registration Information

Re-Registration of Motor Vehicles/Trailers/Campers, etc

RSU #14 School Nutrition Notice to Families

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Help or add to phone tree list to check on Raymond families and individuals who may need help or who are at high-risk.

Raymond Public Health Notice

Get Ready for Coronavirus (COVID-19) NOW

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Updates & Resources Maine Municipal Association

USA CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

USA NIH (National Institutes of Health) https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus

Cumberland County Food Security Council https://www.ccfoodsecurity.org/covid-19-coronavirus-information.html

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available through your local health authority. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

Wash your hands frequently- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Maintain social distancing - Maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth - Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene - Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. If you travel in public to get medical care wear a mask and avoid touching things to protect others from exposure to the virus.
Don't travel to area with known outbreaks.

These tips will help you and your family stay protected not only by the COVID-19 virus but also the flu and other diseases.

Raymond Health Officer:

Cathy Gosselin, Deputy Chief

Raymond Fire Rescue Department

cathy.gosselin@raymondmaine.org or COVID19@raymondmaine.org - 207-655-1187

ADVICE FROM DOCTORS LINK

Annual Town Meeting - Postponed until after COVID-19 Emergency has Lifted

Once the Emergency Order has been lifted a new Town Meeting Date will be set.

2020 US Census

Please fill out the census online at 2020census.gov

Using the online method saves mailing costs and means that a person will not need to come to your house.

Thank you!

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The Town of Raymond staff, along with some dedicated volunteers, will be using a phone tree list and making phones calls to check in on our families that might need help during this national health emergency due to the Coronavirus or COVID-19.

If you know of some elderly residents or a resident that might benefit from assistance - encourage them to call to get added to the phone tree.

Residents of Raymond who want to be added to the phone tree or need help securing food or medications can call the Town Hall at 655-4742 ext. 124 or Cathy Gosselin, Town of Raymond Health Officer at 756-2374 or cathy.gosselin@raymondmaine.org, or email Covid19@raymondmaine.org.

Homestead, Veterans, Business Equipment and Solar/Wind Equipment Exemption Deadline Extended

Effective March 31, 2020, Governor Janet Mills signed an Executive Order extending the April
1, 2020 application deadline for certain property tax exemptions. The Executive Order was
signed pursuant to the civil emergency proclamation, signed by the Governor on March 15,
2020.
Ordinarily, applications for certain property tax exemptions would be submitted by April 1 to be
effective for a municipality’s property tax commitment. Now, the Executive Order extends the
April 1, 2020 deadline to either the commitment date of the municipality or 30 days after the
termination of the declared emergency, whichever occurs first. The extended application
deadline includes the following property tax exemptions: Property of Institutions and
Organizations (36 M.R.S. § 652); Estates of Veterans (36 M.R.S. § 653(1)(G)); Solar and Wind
Energy Equipment (36 M.R.S. §§ 655(1)(U) and 656(1)(K)); Exemption of Homesteads (36
M.R.S. § 684(1)); and Exemption of Business Equipment (“BETE”) (36 M.R.S. § 693(1)).
The Executive Order remains in effect until amended or rescinded. If you have any questions
about the extended deadline, please contact your municipal assessor or the Property Tax Division
of Maine Revenue Services at (207) 624-5600.

March 2020 RoadRunner Newsletter

For a PDF version of the Newsletter please click HERE.

Raymond Village Library closed until further notice

Dear Patrons of the Raymond Village Library,

For the health and safety of our library patrons and staff, and in an effort to support the state and nationwide effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Raymond Village Library will be closing until further notice.

Our wi-fi will remain available from the library parking area 24/7, and no password is required to access the Internet. All library patrons will also continue to have access to our e-books and e-audiobooks through the CloudLibrary. If you need assistance or have questions about the CloudLibrary, please contact us through the email or phone number listed below.

We ask that patrons either return library materials through the book drop located on the side entrance of the library, or hold onto library materials until the library reopens. RVL does not charge overdue fines, so patrons can hold onto the books and other materials if they choose to do so. As Portland Public Library is also closed, we are unable to process any new inter-library loan requests at this time.

All scheduled library classes and programs for children and adults will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date.

During this closure, the library will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to ensure a safe environment for our patrons when the library reopens and services and programs resume.

We apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause and appreciate your understanding of the need for this temporary measure. We hope this closure will be brief and we can return to providing full library services to the community as soon as possible.

If you have any questions regarding the closure, please either email to rvldirector@gmail.com or leave a message at the library at 207-655-4743. We will be checking messages daily.

Tassel Top Park Manager Position Available

Town of Raymond

Seasonal - Tassel Top Park Manager

The Town of Raymond is seeking applications for a Park Manager at Tassel Top Park. This is a seasonal full time, 40 hours per week position. The Park Manager will work closely with the Recreation Director and be responsible for the operations of the beach, concessions, gate admissions, supervision of employees and general grounds upkeep.

The successful candidate must be energetic, have strong leadership skills, be able to multi-task and have excellent time management skills. Also, must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. A high school diploma is required and experience in recreation and/or leadership is preferred.

Click link for job description and application or at the Raymond Town Office. Completed application, cover letter and resume may be emailed to rita.theriault@raymondmaine.org, faxed to 207-655-3024, or mailed to the Town Office at the address below. Applications will be received until job is filled.

Town of Raymond

Attn: Rita M Theriault

Human Resource Officer

401 Webbs Mills Road

Raymond, ME 04071

The Town of Raymond is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Proposed Ordinance Changes

2020 Proposed Ordinance Changes

Raymond Election Results

Click HERE

FY20/21 Town Manager's Proposed Municipal Budget

The Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Town Manager's Proposed Municipal Budget

is now available. A PDF version is available HERE. Printed copies of the budget are available for pickup at the Town Office.

The Budget Development Schedule is as follows:

**All meetings are Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM at the Broadcast Studio unless noted**

March 3, 2020 Joint Meeting: Department Head Review #1 (CIP Requests will be included in the
Department Reviews to which they belong)
County Tax Technology Insurance Assessing
Code Enforcement Raymond Village Library
Revenues Provider agencies
Animal Control Recreation/Tassel Top

General Assistance TIF

March 17, 2020 Joint Meeting: Department Head Review #2
Public Works Public Safety
Solid Waste Cemeteries
Town Buildings RSU Withdrawal Update
Solar Project Administration

March 31, 2020 Joint Meeting: Budget Workshop

April 21, 2020 Board of Selectmen: Warrant Article review & approval

April 28, 2020 Budget-Finance Committee: Vote on recommendations for each budget warrant article.

June 2, 2020 Tuesday 6:00 PM, Jordan-Small Middle School Annual Town Meeting

Public Safety Recruitment Incentives

Sign-on and Retention Bonuses

To help retain part-time Public Safety employees the Town of Raymond has

introduced a sign-on and referral bonuses. Anyone who applies as a paid volunteer or part-time employee is

eligible to receive a $500 sign-on bonus, that will be paid out in increments. $100 upon hiring, with successful back-ground

check and phyiscal test. $100 after successful completion of orientation and $300 after one year of employment or

volunteer service and good performance.

Current Raymond full-time and part-time Public Safety

employees that successfully refer individuals will also be eligible for a $200 referral bonus. $100 will be given

when referred person completes the hiring and orientation process. After the referred employee completes one year of

employment, another $100 will be paid. The Town of Raymond is also offereing paid volunteers support for related education

training, financial and retirement planning and stress management options.

For more information or questions, please contact Don Willard, Rita Theriault or Bruce Tupper at

(207) 655-4742.

Videographer Wanted

Town of Raymond Maine

Videographer – Part-Time

The Town of Raymond is looking for a part time Videographer to record committee and Selectmen meetings. Most meetings are held in the evening although occasionally some may be during the day. The candidate must be willing to learn to run a fully digital IPTV broadcast studio. The IPTV station consists of a custom studio control PC and a station control server. The studio control PC runs VMIX live production and streaming software and a fully digital Motu sound mixer. The station control server runs Avmeda broadcast automation software which supports two PEG cable channels (Public and Education). The server also streams live and prerecorded events to YouTube. Previous experience with video broadcast and a good knowledge of the Windows PC environment are essential.

Completed applications and resume should be sent to:

Rita M Theriault

Human Resources Officer

Town of Raymond
401 Webbs Mills Road
Raymond, Maine 04071

or electronically to rita.theriault@raymondmaine.org

Position open until filled

Town of Raymond is an EOE

Age Friendly Raymond 2018 Survey Results

Click HERE for report.

Town Scholarships Application Now Available

The deadline for applying for the Town Scholarships is April 30, 2020.

For more information click HERE. For Application click HERE.

Local Access TV - Spectrum Changes

The channel numbers have changed to:

- 1301 for Town of Raymond

- 1302 for RSU #14

Information on Local Broadband Efforts

The Town of Raymond has been working with Standish, Windham, and Gray to explore the possibility of bringing broadband internet service to this region.

Information relating to these efforts:

If you have any feedback or questions please contact:

Don Willard, Raymond Town Manager via email or 207-655-4742 x131
Thomas Bartell, Windham Economie Development Executive Director via email or 207-892-1936

Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Law Books

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has changed to digital law books rather than printed versions.

"In 2016, we printed over 700,000 law books. That's a lot of paper and a lot of resources diverted from Maine's fish and wildlife."

The digital law books are downloadable and searchable. The link to them is in the menu list on the right side of this page. They are formated to use either on a smart phone, tablet, or computer.

There will be a few printed copies for those who do not own a smart phone or computer.

Flyer from IF&W

Law Books

Posted Roads

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of Raymond

Road Posting

This is to notify you that Raymond will be closing its roads to vehicles weighing in excess of 23,000 pounds on Friday, February 28, 2020 until May 1, 2020. Routes 85, 121, 302 and the Egypt Road will be exempt from this closure because they are State maintained roads.

29-A M.R.S.A. § 2395

Click HERE for details.

Nathan White, Public Works Director

Become a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion

Become a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion!

The Opportunity Alliance has meaningful volunteer opportunities available for adults 55 and older in Southern Maine. Foster Grandparents are placed in schools and child development centers to support school readiness and academic achievement of children. Senior Companions make independence a reality for isolated elders by visiting clients in their homes and providing transportation assistance for doctor’s appointments and/or grocery shopping.

Volunteers who commit to a minimum of 15 hours/week and meet generous income guidelines, receive a tax-free stipend, mileage and meal reimbursement. All volunteers receive ongoing training, recognition, and supervision.

We are also accepting referrals for individuals interested in having a Senior Companion provide socialization and local transportation.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer or client, please call 207-773-0202 or toll-free at 1-800-698-4959.

Community Resources - 211 Maine

Any residents that are having trouble this time of year with the effects of the extreme cold, whether it be frozen/burst pipes, reduced or no access to heating fuel are encouraged to use 211 Maine as a resource. 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can call, text, email or search their website.

They are available to discuss options, programs and services that can help with heating and utility assistance. Along with financial assistance, health care, mental health, domestic violence and addiction treatment.

Main Street Sidewalk Project

Approved at Town Meeting, the Town of Raymond is planning to extend the current sidewalk on Route 302 along Main Street to the intersection of Route 121 (Meadow Road).

For more information click HERE.

Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce TV Campaign

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce has put together a program highlighting the Lakes Region area. To view the segment about Raymond you can click HERE. The show will begin airing this month on some local networks and run through to June. To view the entire show you can click HERE which covers other towns in the area in additon to Raymond.

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Mailbox Identification Reminder

Just a reminder to all citizens to make sure your mailbox and/or house has proper identification so that emergency services can locate your home in the event of an emergency.

The Public Safety Building located at 1443 Roosevelt Trail offers FREE mailbox numbers to those who need them.

Remember: They Can't Help You, If They Can't Find You.

Image result for importance of mailbox identification for emergency services

401 Webbs Mills Road, Raymond, Maine 04071 - Tel: 207-655-4742 Fax: 207-655-3024