Meeting Minutes 6/11/2026

In person at Bath Housing Office

Attendees: Marla Davis, Polly Shaw, Melissa Fochesato, Ruth Lawson-Stopps, Robin Newell, Barbara Reinertsen, Jess Irish, Janet Persen, Michele Melanson, Deirdra Murphy, Joel Merry, Karin Sadtler

Introductions

Melissa (Director Community Health, Midcoast Hospital): Update on Community Navigator position, Mark Hymbaugh, 197 unique contacts, 254 Assists, 96 families, “intervene and connect, not continuously support” LIHEAP applications and beyond.

New position was created 9 months ago.

Deirdra and Michele report briefly on presentation to City Council

Michele and Deirdra went to the City Council on June 3, Marla, Barbara, Karin, and Ruth were there to support to provide awareness of AFCLK and provide feedback of the listening sessions, emergency bags and VTP, including data.

Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transportation Committee offered to talk:

Staff Rod Melanson, Director of Sustainability and Environment

rmelanson@cityofbathmaine.gov, 207-443-8363

Meetings of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transportation Committee

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 PM.

City Hall Auditorium, 55 Front St., Bath, ME

City Council Representatives

•         Julie Ambrosino

•         Chris Marks

•         Jane Nordmann

Define Goal for AFCLK involvement in VTP (Volunteer Transportation Program) in Bath:

Provide a liaison to Bath Bicycle, Pedestrian and Transportation Committee (BPT) to advocate for residents without transportation options who need rides to destinations such as medical appointments and grocery shopping.

What could collaboration look like? Brainstorming:

Personal Investment with transportation needs

Provide input and expertise

Unrealistic to add a staff person-City of Bath is unlikely to fund this position, taxes have already increased over other expenses including county.

Could a ride coordinator position be part of General Assistance in City clerk’s office?

Partner with Western Maine Transportation?

Robin: Transportation is an issue for the YMCA and continues to be discussed with a focus on youth, one challenge is the large region that YMCA serves.

Connection to the Bike Transportation Committee, best someone from our steering committee who is also a Bath resident. Ruth is interested in becoming a permanent member.

Non voting member (AFCLK- could be a rotating member) or just participate in the public meetings

As need for rides in Bath is expected to grow quickly, consider limiting destinations initially to medical appointments only, when discussing a possible pilot project.

General Assistance and city clerk's office might be a good home.

What are funding opportunities?

Davenport Trust is very interested in this topic, no commitment, funding for a pilot project? Marla spoke with Barry Sturgeon

Maine opioid settlement fund, will open for pilot projects applications later this fall.

ACTION ITEM

Seek participation in BPT committee

Continue to give testimonials at public transportation meetings so people hear the stories