CAMDEN — The Camden Select Board May 7 heard updates on the MSAD 28 and Camden Hills Regional High School budgets and learned about a proposed Sept. 21 obstacle race at Camden Snow Bowl. The board also proclaimed May 26 as Arbor Day and renewed liquor licenses and special amusement permits for several local businesses.

According to MSAD 28 and Five Town CSD Superintendent Elaine Nutter, total budgetary expenses for the kindergarten through eighth-grade schools will mean a 2.72 percent increase to area taxpayers — a 4.46 percent increase to Camden citizens — while the CSD's expense budget will incur a 2.15 percent tax increase for the region — a 2.48 increase to Camden taxpayers.

Potential increases in Maine State Retirement are yet unknown, Nutter said, but MSAD 28 has budgeted for $146,315 based on its current payroll, while the Five Town CSD has allocated $122,000 for retirement.

Nutter said a major priority for the Camden-Rockport Middle School will be to investigate how to make the facility more efficient in terms of energy usage and function. For that purpose, $125,000 has been earmarked for architectural services to create a site plan proposal for the middle school.

A half-time library position has been reduced from Camden Hills Regional High School in order to reinstate a technology learning center with an attendant education technician, Nutter said. Nutter added that the goal of integrating technology with instruction means teachers and administrators will have to learn how to operate emergent technologies alongside students.

On the facilities side of things, Nutter reported that the column has collapsed in one of three CHRHS geothermal wells, leading to the well's failure. Money has been spread over two budgetary years to repair the well.

Next year's priorities will include investigating whether the outsourcing of custodial services would be "cost-effective and prudent," Nutter said, as well as examining the safety and security of schools under her purview. Nutter said the presence of a police officer on school grounds "does give a different tone and tenor to the building," and she believes the presence of two assistant principals is sufficient to deal with potential student problems within the high school.

The select board voted unanimously to draft an agreement between the town of Camden and Courier Publications for a Sept. 21 obstacle race to be co-sponsored by the town and the Reade Brower-owned media company.

According to Camden Snow Bowl Interim Manager Beth Ward, Courier Publications will assume the financial risk of building the obstacles, which may include walls, rope swings and monkey bars placed in the woods beside bends in the Snow Bowl's 22 Tacks multi-use trail. Ward said several of the obstacles may be left in place after the event's conclusion, as they will be out of the way of mountain bikers, grooming equipment, and nordic skiiers and snowboarders.

Brower and Ward told the select board liability for any misadventures involving the obstacles will fall on the town as owner of the Snow Bowl property, but "use at your own risk" signage may be put in place on the obstacles themselves along with safety information. Money from the event will be set aside for the Parks and Recreation Department to maintain the obstacles.

Selectman John French said he believes liability risks will be the same for potential long-term obstacles as for the preexisting terrain park, as well as town playgrounds.

Selectman Don White said he thinks the obstacle race is a "wonderful idea" and a good addition to the Snow Bowl, which will help community businesses and bring more people to the area, as well as give local people a chance to experience a unique opportunity.

In other business:

— Sunday, May 26, has been proclaimed Arbor Day, marking the town's 18th year as one of a select few Maine towns to receive the designation of Tree City USA. According to the proclamation, citizens are encouraged to plant trees on that day, as well as participate "in the programs that the sponsors of Arbor Day may provide."

Camden is designated a Tree City USA alongside Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Castine, Dover-Foxcroft, Farmington, Hallowell, Hampden, Kennebunkport, Lewiston, Orono, Portland, Saco, South Portland, Waterville, Westbrook and Yarmouth.

— Norumbega Inn co-owner Sue Walser told the select board she and business partner Philip Crispo intend to revitalize what she called the "fantastic landmark property," which will be reopening Friday, May 24. Walser said the Norumbega Inn will likely be open year-round, and offer breakfast, dinner and drinks to guests, expanding to offer dinner to the public once the owners get their "sea legs." Walser said Crispo, a former Culinary Institute of America instructor, is also hoping to teach some culinary classes once the business is up and running.

— The Registrar of Voters' office hours have been designated as the town clerk's regular hours — 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — during the MSAD 28/CSD Budget Validation referendum and annual town meeting, June 11 and 12, respectively. Town meeting is at 7 p.m. in the Camden Opera House June 12. The parking lot beside Camden's public safety building will be closed June 11 during polling hours, 8 a.m to 8 p.m.

— Selkie O'Mira was confirmed as election warden for June 11 and 12.

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To contact Bane Okholm, email news@penbaypilot.com.