Upcoming Elections
The 2009 Board of Directors Elections will be held in November. The seats up for election this year are:
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Peaks Island: Currently held by Dan Doane
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Chebeague Island: Currently held by Jim Phipps
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Long Island: Currently held by Bill Overlock
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Islands at Large: Currently held by Donna Rockett
CBITD General Manager Resigns
Message from Donna Rockett, Board President to Islanders:
The CBITD board of directors has accepted the resignation of General Manager Catherine Debo, effective December 31, 2009. The board will surely miss the dedication, hard work, and many skills Catherine has brought to her job. We respect and understand her need to meet the family commitments with which she is faced. Catherine has graciously offered to step aside sooner than December 31st as General Manager should the board feels it would be in the best interest of the district to move forward quickly to find her replacement. In that regard, the board has decided to name Nicholas Mavadones, currently Operations Manager, as Interim General Manager, until a new general manager is appointed. During the next six months, Catherine will continue to be engaged in special projects for CBITD in which she has been actively involved, and provide additional assistance as requested to support the organization – through the media of phone, internet or in person.
In the two and a half years Catherine has devoted to her work at CBITD, she has exhibited a strong work ethic and dedication to making CBITD a better organization. She has worked hard to meet the needs of the riders of the ferry system, as well as the employees who deliver that service, all while keeping a close eye on the financial costs and needs.
We thank Catherine for her all she has done for us, and wish her all the best as she looks to her future. Catherine will complete some current projects during the next two weeks and we will schedule a reception shortly to honor Catherine's service and to thank her for all she has done for CBITD.
Letter from Catherine Debo to Islanders (.pdf)
Freight Restrictions During 4th of July Holiday
From 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 2 through the 4th of July, no building supplies, furniture, or large appliances will be accepted for shipment. We thank you for your cooperation. Please call the Freight Office at 774-7871 with any questions.
Summer Sailing Schedule
The Summer Sailing Schedule begins Saturday, June 20, 2009. Pick up a printed schedule at the ferry terminal or see the Sailing Schedules here.
FY 2009 Audit Report
At the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, May 28, we had a presentation from the new independent auditor, RHR Smith & Company, who completed the work on the audit of the CBL books. The audit report found no major issues with the monthly financial reports generated by the CBL staff. There were a few suggestions made by the auditors in terms of process changes that would improve financial reporting, and these have been accepted and implemented.
Our new auditor has significant experience in auditing other municipal transit operations in the Northeast. He was very complimentary regarding the amount of output generated by our limited staff at CBL. Download a copy of the CBITD FY09 Audit below.
FY 2009 Audit (.pdf)
Notice of Rate Changes Effective May 1, 2009
Notice is hereby given that Casco Bay Island Transit District is increasing passenger, vehicle, and freight rates effective May 1, 2009. The rate changes were approved by the Board of Directors on March 26, 2009 after a Public Hearing was held on March 4 and continued on March 16, 2009.
The average adult passenger ticket increase over 2007 will vary by island from $0.95 to $1.05 during part of the peak season and from $0.35 to $0.45 in the off-peak (winter) season, with half the increase applicable to elderly, disabled and children. The fuel surcharge on passenger rates ($0.50 on adult fares, $0.25 on elderly, disabled, and children) will be eliminated effective September 1 when a new diesel fuel contract goes into effect. Freight categories have been simplified and costs of remaining categories have increased by 8.6% over 2007 in both peak and off-peak seasons. Vehicle rates for all categories of vehicles will increase by $2.65 over 2007 rates for both peak and off-peak seasons. Detailed rate information may be obtained here:
Notice of Rate Changes Effective May 1, 2009 (.pdf)
Any 50 or more ratepayers may file pursuant to 35A M.S.R.A. Section 1302 a written request with the Maine Public Utilities Commission in Augusta for an investigation of the actual rate changes ultimately adopted by the Transit District.
Spring Sailing Schedule and Peak Season Rates
The Spring Sailing Schedule and peak season rates are now in effect. Please see our Sailing Schedule page or pick up a printed schedule at the ferry terminal. For rates and fares please see our Passenger Fares page.
Second Annual Inter-Island Cruise a Success!
Approximately 75 islanders came out on Saturday night, February 21st, to make the 2nd Annual Inter-Island cruise a success!
A mild evening and calm seas led to a great cruise. The Cockeyed Gull provided a delightful array of appetizers while 43°N 70°W kept people on the dance floor all night.
Captain Nate Mills was at the helm of the Bay Mist with the help of his trusty crew including Joe Mavodones, Colin Anderson, and Emily Tate. Bartender Amy Parsons was behind the bar serving up tasty beverages.
This year's theme was celebrate President's Day and cruisers were treated to a special skit including appearances from past U.S. Presidents. Guests included George Washington, Abe Lincoln, and Bill Clinton. Also making an appearance were Martha Washington, Monica Lewinsky, and Casco Bay Bill the Groundhog.
A special thanks to Bill Overlock, Emil Berges, Nancy Berges, Jim Thibault, Lorinda Valls, and Mark Green for their participation and creativity! We can not wait to see what you come up with next year!
