Staff Writer
The regional planning commission’s board of directors voted last week to dissolve the agency and reform into a council of governments in order to be more eligible for governmental resources. The work and the personnel of the Northern Maine Development Commission will stay the same, according to the agency’s executive director, Robert Clark.
“We’re leaving the name and changing the structure,” said Clark during the Jan. 10 session.
The change is scheduled to take place over the next three to six months and requires member municipality approvals, according to Clark.
In a presentation to the board, Clark explained the differences between the types of regional councils that are linked with the State Planning Office. While some areas in Maine have regional planning commissions, such as the NMDC, others have Council of Governments, commonly called a COG.
Clark quoted Gov. John E. Baldacci’s “state of the state” address last week when listing his reasons for wanting to change the agency’s organizational structure.
“The governor said we ‘have to change the way we do business for business,’”
said Clark.
By forming a COG, the region will have more authority and access to resources, Clark said.
According to his presentation, seven or more municipalities may form a regional planning commission, with four to six communities consenting to the group’s formation. Its functions include promoting cooperative efforts, developing comprehensive plans and coordinating state and federal programs. An RPC also provides technical assistance. A budget and member dues support the organization.
Any two municipalities may form Council of Governments. Clark outlined the COG’s powers including the ability to study governmental problems and promote cooperative actions, as well as recommend actions.
Clark said that an agreement with the cooperating towns must be proposed and a meeting held to allow the member towns to vote on the new structure. Assets of the planning commission would then be transferred to the COG, Clark said.
The planning commission was incorporated in 1969. Its first executive director was James Barresi.
