SKOWHEGAN — The Select Board on Tuesday appointed new leadership for the coming year, discussed its search for a town manager and approved expanded all‑terrain vehicle access routes into town.
The board opened the meeting by electing Kevin Nelson, formerly the vice chair, to serve as chair and finance officer for the year.
Board members commended Nelson for his diplomatic approach and commitment to the community, and the nomination passed unanimously.
The board then appointed Amber Lambke as vice chairperson and deputy finance officer. Her nomination was also approved unanimously.
The meeting marked the first for newly elected Select Board member Matthew “Matt” Dubois, who filled the seat vacated by Whitney Cunliffe. Cunliffe’s term was set to expire in 2026, and she did not seek reelection.
During departmental reports, Town Clerk Gail Pelotte thanked election workers and volunteers who assisted during the recent election.
“There’s never a boring time on election day,” Pelotte said.
She also noted that the town will be using new voting machines in future elections.
Board members provided updates on several ongoing projects and committees.
Lambke also reported on progress in the search for a permanent town manager.
“We were able to meet with Jay Feyler, who is the consultant that works with the Maine Municipal Association in an HR capacity to help towns with important hires like this,” she said.
The board met with Feyler and reviewed the town manager job description as part of the hiring process, Lambke said.
Donnie Zaluski now serves as interim town manager.
Former Town Manager Nicholas Nadeau died by apparent suicide in March. He had been under investigation for alleged inappropriate online communication with a Florida girl.
During the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting, a member of the Skowhegan Stump Jumpers ATV Club provided updates on the club’s activities.
The club has begun distributing ATV passports, which encourage riders to visit participating local businesses and collect stamps. Completed passports can be mailed in or submitted at a club meeting.
The club also reported that additional trails and road access routes have recently opened.
The board considered an amendment to Appendix 1 of the town’s Traffic Ordinance to include two additional roads for ATV access: Molunkus Road, from the Cornville town line to the intersection with Route 150, and High Street, from the municipal parking lot to the intersection with North Avenue.
Board members focused their discussion on creating clear and consistent routes for ATV riders traveling into town.
Club members said the amendment would help eliminate uncertainty about where ATVs are permitted to operate.
The board approved the amendment unanimously.
