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Ellsworth manager announces deputy hire, downtown facade grants and winter festival program
Summary
City manager reported the appointment of Sarah Devlin as deputy city manager, a downtown facade improvement grant program funded by a CDBG with grants up to $25,000 and a new Fire and Ice Festival planned for Jan. 31–Feb. 2, 2025.
City Manager Charlie (name as given in meeting) reported multiple administrative initiatives and community events during the January 21 council meeting, including a senior hire, a downtown revitalization grant program and the inaugural Fire and Ice Festival.
Charlie announced Sarah Devlin will join the city as deputy city manager effective Feb. 10, 2025. The manager said Devlin brings experience in community planning, infrastructure and grant acquisition from prior positions with the Bangor Area Comprehensive Transportation System, the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Greater Portland Council of Governments. "We're thrilled to welcome Sarah to our team and are confident her leadership will help shape a bright future for our community," the manager said.
The manager announced a new facade improvement grant program for downtown businesses funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The program offers matching funds at a 3-to-1 ratio for private investment with grants up to $25,000 per project; eligible activities include historic facade work, entrance upgrades, exterior lighting, signage and accessibility improvements. Applications are due March 14, 2025 at 12:30 p.m., and materials are posted at elsworthmaine.gov/facade.
The report also said the city clerk and tax offices will temporarily relocate to a second-floor auditorium while a first-floor counter remodel occurs; the offices will close Jan. 31 and reopen Feb. 3 in the temporary location. The manager promoted the inaugural Fire and Ice Festival (Jan. 31–Feb. 2) featuring film screenings, a winter market and a fireworks display planned for Jan. 31/Feb. 1 weekend.
Nut graf: The manager’s report combined staffing, grant-funded downtown revitalization incentives and public programming, giving residents details and deadlines for applications and encouraging participation in community events.
Additional details: The facade program requires a recorded application by March 14, 2025; an advisory committee of city staff, business owners and community representatives will review applications. Contact information for finance and application questions was given as Nate Moore and Ashley Brown (phone numbers were stated on record).
