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Resident urges action on high Thompson Lake levels; board reviews $18,350 fish‑screen quote
Summary
A resident warned that high water at Thompson Lake is eroding shorelines and risking dam overtopping; the Select Board discussed a $18,350 Bancroft Contracting quote to install a center fish screen and the need for clearer plans, funding and contractor availability.
A resident raised alarm about persistently high water levels at Thompson Lake during public comment at the Select Board meeting, saying repeated site visits show shore erosion, floating docks and trees under stress and warning that overtopping could compromise the dam and local tax base. The resident urged the board to publish a clear plan, timeline and funding sources for dam maintenance and gate management.
"When the dam is 3 inches from the top of the dam, you are in danger," the resident said, arguing the town should begin lowering the lake earlier before storms and questioning why the middle gate had not been used over several years. The resident also said debris and gate design problems limit outflow and cited prior local efforts to create a sinking fund for dam repairs.
Selectman (Speaker 4) said the board is aware of a report by Mr. Pellerin that addressed the fish gate and related issues, and confirmed the retaining wall at the dam has been identified in budget discussions; Pine Tree Engineering is doing surveying and design work. "That retaining wall we've been putting money aside in the reserve account to replace," the Selectman said, and noted the difficulty of finding a contractor with the necessary availability and qualifications.
On the specific hardware question, the Selectman reported a quote from Bancroft Contracting to install a center fish screen on the center gate for $18,350; the work would include divers, a boom truck, installation labor and related personnel. The Selectman asked the board for permission to proceed using funds from the Thompson Lake Dam Reserve if the board authorizes the work; he said Bancroft indicated it could begin within about two weeks if given the go-ahead.
The meeting transcript does not record a formal, named vote authorizing the Bancroft contract or the exact motion language. The board acknowledged the quote and discussed timing and funding; the resident pressed for publicized plans that include costs and funding sources and suggested partnering with neighboring towns (Otisfield, Casco and Poland) to share planning and costs.
Background and next steps: the board placed the Thompson Lake/dam item on the agenda for discussion and identified funding options in the budget process; Pine Tree Engineering is producing design data for retaining-wall replacement and contractors have been solicited for the fish‑screen installation. The transcript does not record a final, formal approval of the Bancroft quote or a specific implementation date.
