Selectmen approve second reading of Hailey Pond Dam ad hoc committee bylaws; board debates committee scope

The Rangeley Board of Selectmen on April 22 approved the second reading of bylaws creating an ad hoc committee to study the Hailey Pond Dam and its management, and discussed questions about the committee's scope and whether the town should continue to have operational responsibility.

The motion to accept the second reading of the Hailey Pond Dam ad hoc committee bylaws passed unanimously. The bylaws will be posted and the town will accept applications for membership; the board indicated there will be public meetings and opportunities for comment once the committee forms.

Selectman Keith pressed the board and staff on the committee's remit. "Is there ever an intention for the town to release any kind of management efforts for this dam?" Keith asked, noting uncertainty over the town's long-term role and who owns what components. Board members and the manager agreed the committee should examine why the dam exists, whether the town needs to remain involved, maintenance responsibilities, and appropriate water-level control. One selectman noted the dam had been left open during the winter and that pond levels had remained unusually low, underscoring that water-level control remains a practical concern.

Town staff said the committee will solicit public participation, notify adjacent landowners in Dallas Plantation as appropriate, and work with state agencies where ownership or jurisdiction is shared. The board asked the committee to explore historical purpose, pros and cons of the structure, maintenance responsibilities and state involvement.

The bylaw adoption was the committee's second reading; the board will appoint members once applications are received and the committee begins public meetings.