China assessor recommends second revaluation in two years

by Mary Grow

China select board members held two meetings in succession June 6, first as the town’s board of assessors and then as the select board.

The assessors heard a presentation from professional assessor William Van Tuinen, who recommended the second property revaluation in two years to keep pace with rising real estate sales prices.

Calculating how much to increase values of different types of property will be complicated, he said, because some prices have increased more than others.

If China’s declared valuations lag too far behind actual prices, the state will impose penalties, in the form of reduced reimbursement for homestead, veterans’ and other exemptions.

Board member Wayne Chadwick pointed out that if valuations go up, the tax rate goes down, to generate about the same amount of revenue for the town.

“That’s correct,” Van Tuinen replied.

Board members postponed a decision until Van Tuinen has time to prepare a more specific proposal. He hopes to present one promptly, so that town assessors can approve and he can prepare information needed to set the 20223-23 tax rate.

Reconvening as the select board, members made made three decisions.

They unanimously appointed Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood as China’s codes officer and licensed plumbing inspector and Ryan Page as licensed plumbing inspector to work with her. Page is Vassalboro’s codes officer and plumbing inspector.

Both appointments are valid through June 30. Jaime Hanson has resigned from the China positions; Hapgood said June 10 was his last day, and as of June 6 she had no applicants to fill the position.

Hapgood has no certifications for her new job, but, she said, the state allows 12 months for someone to take the necessary courses to get certified, so appointing her is not illegal.

The second select board decision was to approve an updated contract with the Town of Palermo to continue to share the China transfer station. The minor changes are updating the fee charged Palermo residents for their trash bags and making the fee adjustable annually, without a contract amendment.

Hapgood and Robert Kurek, one of Palermo’s representatives on China’s Transfer Station Committee, negotiated the changes, which still needed approval by the Palermo select board. Working with Kurek was “awesome,” Hapgood commented, praising his consistently constructive suggestions.

Select board members’ third decision was to authorize Hapgood to continue negotiating for an easement that would allow access to Branch Pond for a dry hydrant for firefighters’ use.

In other June 6 business, Hapgood reminded those attending that nomination papers for Nov. 8 local elections will be available Aug. 1. This year voters will elect three select board members, three planning board members, four budget committee members and one representative to the Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 board of directors.

Mention of the RSU election led to a brief discussion of information-sharing between the regional board and the local select board. Hapgood said she plans to invite China’s RSU members to select board meeting four times a year, as proposed during an earlier discussion. Select board member Janet Preston recommended select board members attend RSU meetings, too.

Because of the Juneteenth and Independence Day holidays, the next two regular China select board meetings will be Tuesday evenings, June 21 and July 5. The town office will be closed Monday, June 20, and Monday, July 4.

On Thursday, June 30, the town office will close at noon so staff can complete end-of-the-fiscal-year accounts. The select board will hold a short special meeting at 4 p.m. June 30 for approval of final 2021-2022 bills.

China municipal building committee to make presentation to select board

by Mary Grow

Three members of China’s Municipal Building Committee met June 9, for the first time since January, and agreed they need to make a presentation and two requests at the June 21 select board meeting.

After reporting to select board members on their plan for additional storage space at the town office on Lakeview Drive, they need to ask for funds to hire an engineer or similar consultant to refine the plan and add an up-to-date cost estimate. And they need to ask for appointment of additional committee members.

Committee chairman Sheldon Goodine shared his not-to-scale plan for a building to be connected to the east side of the present building. His proposed building is 34 feet wide; committee member Scott Pierz recommended 36 feet long as adequate to store town records for a reasonable time into the future.

Goodine reported soil consultant Jack Lord had located the town office septic tank and leach field, to make sure the new building will not affect their functioning. Goodine had talked with town office staff and adjusted proposed interior details to meet their needs and preferences.

He plans next to ask someone from Dig Safe to check the proposed site, he said.

Committee members talked about windows (not many) and doors (at least two); how the roof of the new building would meet the existing roof; the electrical connection; putting the building on a slab with in-floor heating; and providing work space, so staff members would not have to haul documents from storage back to the main office to use them.

Pierz reminded the others that the building must comply with state and local building codes, China’s Phosphorus Control Ordinance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and probably other regulations and requirements.

He and audience member Ed Bailey urged Goodine not to stress details of interior arrangements with select board members, but to focus on the overall plan and projected costs. There was agreement that a January cost estimate is no longer valid.

Goodine commented that the existing town office building needs repairs. The adjacent former portable classroom, used for voting, committee meetings, weekly senior citizens’ gatherings and other purposes, is close to the end of its useful life, in his estimation.

Bailey is interested in serving on the Municipal Building Committee. After the meeting, committee member and town clerk Angela Nelson said Dennis Simmons has also volunteered.

Erskine Academy announces top ten seniors, class of 2022

Top row, left to right: Mackenzie Roderick, Aidan Larrabee, Hannah Soule, Lily Vinci, Samantha Golden.
Bottom row: Emily Clark, Grace Hodgkins, Devon Polley, Grace Kelso, Riley Reitchel.

Erskine Academy, in South China, has announced the Class of 2022 Top Ten Seniors.

Valedictorian is Mackenzie Roderick, daughter of Melissa Vail, of Augusta, and Mike Roderick, of China. Throughout her four years at Erskine, Mackenzie has participated in such activities as Student Council, National Honor Society, the EA Leadership Team, math team, soccer, basketball, and she has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Mackenzie is a four-year honor roll recipient and has received awards of distinction in Spanish, statistics, and calculus, and she has been a Senior of the Trimester award recipient. Mackenzie is also a Maine Principal’s Association Award recipient, a George Eastman Young Leaders Award recipient, and has served as President of the Class of 2022. Mackenzie plans to attend the University of Southern Maine to study Biology.

Salutatorian is Aidan Larrabee, son of Carrie and Jeremy Larrabee, of China. Aidan has participated in such activities as Student Council, National Honor Society, math team, Youth in Government, the EA Leadership Team, Future Business Leaders of America, soccer, wrestling, and basketball. Aidan has also served as Vice President of the Class of 2022, and he has completed over 200 hours of community service projects. A student who has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, Aidan was the recipient of awards of excellence in English, pre-calculus, social studies, biology, U.S. History, French, and physical education. In addition, Aidan has also been a recipient of the Rensselaer Medal and Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Aidan plans to attend Texas A & M to study Petroleum Engineering.

Third in academic standing is Hannah Soule, daughter of Amanda and Jamie Soule, of Fairfield. Hannah is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as EA Theater, Future Business Leaders of America, AFS (Erskine’s cultural awareness group), LEO Club, the EA Leadership Team, and field hockey. In addition, Hannah has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Hannah has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, is a Smith Book Award recipient, and has been a recipient of Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Hannah plans to attend Columbus State University to major in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration.

Fourth in academic standing is Lily Vinci, daughter of Melody and Anthony Vinci, of Palermo. Lily has participated in such activities as AFS (Erskine’s cultural awareness group), cross country, indoor track, track & field, and tennis. Lily has also completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Lily has received awards of distinction in Algebra 1, geometry, Algebra 2, and chemistry, and she has achieved four year honor roll status. In addition, Lily was the recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa Award. Lily plans to take a gap year to pursue employment and travel opportunities.

Fifth in academic standing is Samantha Golden, daughter of Jane and Richard Golden, of China. Samantha is a member of National Honor Society and has been a participant of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere at Erskine), soccer, and basketball. Samantha has also completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Samantha has received awards of excellence in U.S. history and is a four-year honor roll recipient. Samantha plans to attend Clark University with a major in Biology.

Sixth in academic standing is Emily Clark, daughter of Stacy and Christopher Clark, of China. Emily is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as HOPE (Helping Others Persevere at Erskine), soccer, basketball, and she has participated in a variety of community service activities. Emily has received awards of excellence in Integrated Science and PreCalculus, is a four year honor roll recipient, and received the SWE Certification of Merit. Emily plans to attend Endicott College with a major in nursing.

Seventh in academic standing is Grace Hodgkin, daughter of Helen Edmonds and Dana Hodgkin, of Manchester. Grace is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as EA Theater, Student Council, yearbook, tennis, and she has served as a class officer. Grace is also a four-year honor roll recipient. Grace plans to major in biology at the University of Maine.

Eighth in academic standing is Devon Polley, son of Hillary and Stephen Polley, of Vassalboro. Devon has been a member of the soccer and tennis teams and he has completed a variety of community service projects. Devon has received honor roll distinction every trimester, and he has received an award of excellence in physics. Devon was also the recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award. Devon plans to attend the University of Maine with a major in Mechanical Engineering.

Ninth in academic standing is Grace Kelso, daughter of Storm and Bradley Kelso, of Vassalboro. Grace is a member of National Honor Society, and she has participated in such activities as debate team, Youth in Government, AFS (Erskine’s cultural awareness group), swim, tennis, and she has completed over 300 hours of community service projects. Grace has also received high honor roll distinction every trimester, has received awards of excellence in English, German, and debate, and she has received Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Grace plans to major in International Relations at the University of Edinburgh.

Tenth in academic standing is Riley Reitchel, daughter of Danielle and Richard Reitchel, of Palermo. Riley is a member of National Honor Society and has participated in such activities as LEO Club, the EA Leadership Team, the EA International Outreach Coalition, soccer, indoor track, and she has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Riley has earned honor roll status every trimester, and she has received a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award. Riley plans to major in Linguistics at the University of Southern Maine.

LETTERS: Tuminaro would be huge asset in District #62

Dear editor:

My name is Sherri “Dowe” Gamble and I am writing in regards to Jennifer Tuminaro’s bid for the House Seat in District 62. I was the manager of the China Dine-ah from 2007-2014.

This is where I met Jennifer.

Jennifer left her job at MBNA so she could spend more time at home with her family. At the time she had two small children. She applied for a part time job at the China Dine-ah, in China, and was a very dedicated worker. She worked through dinner rushes with smooth capabilities and never got flustered no matter how hectic it became. Jennifer took her job very seriously and made sure her tables, as well as those around hers, were always satisfied with the service.

During Jennifer’s time at the Dine-ah she became pregnant with her third child. This didn’t slow her down one bit. She had an incredible work ethic and I commended her for always being willing to help out when needed.

When Jennifer’s children became school age it didn’t surprise me at all when she decided to home school them. She set up a class room and with her classic efficiency has home schooled all four children. Reading their end of the year accomplishments is always a treat. As a former Title 1 Reading teacher, I can very much appreciate the type of dedication it takes to set up a learning environment that keeps your children ready to learn.

I believe Jennifer Tuminaro would be a huge asset for the towns of China, Windsor, Palermo, Somerville and Hibberts Gore and that she will work hard for these communities. I wish her the best in the upcoming election.

Sherri (Dowe) Gamble
China

China town meeting ballot a long one

by Mary Grow

CHINA, ME — China voters coming to the polls on Tuesday, June 14, might want to bring at least a water bottle for sustenance. Balloting will take a while.

In addition to the 38-article warrant for the annual town business meeting, each voter will be handed two more pieces of paper. Those enrolled in the Republican or Democratic party will get a fourth ballot.

Regional School Unit #18, which includes Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney, has two separate ballots. The familiar one, the school budget referendum ballot, asks if voters will approve or reject the 2022-23 budget approved at a May 19 open meeting of voters from the five towns. A second question asks voters whether they want to continue the referendum vote for another three years.

RSU #18 Superintendent Carl Gartley told China select board members at their May 9 meeting the proposed budget was about 1.57 percent, or about $643,000, higher than the current year’s budget. China’s share was projected to increase by 0.96 percent, or about $48,000, he said.

A separate RSU #18 ballot asks if voters will approve or reject a proposal to borrow almost $3.7 million from the state’s revolving loan fund to provide new air handling equipment and to replace outside doors and siding at various schools.

Gartley emphasized the air handling equipment when he spoke with China select board members. In a follow-up email, he said that updating air handling systems has been an ongoing effort since before Covid-19; he believes improvements helped protect students and staff during the last three years. Work to be done with the loan is “consistent with improvements that are recommended as a prevention strategy against the spread of COVID-19,” he wrote.

The ballot question says the state has already approved the loan, if voters do the same. RSU #18 will repay a little more than half (almost $1.9 million) over 10 years, at no interest. The remaining about $1.8 million will be forgiven.

Voters enrolled in a political party will also receive a primary ballot. There are no contests on the Democratic ballot. Local candidates are Storme St. Jude Valle, of Augusta, for state Senator from District #15 and Pamela J. Swift, of Palermo, for state Representative from District #62.

On the Republican primary ballot, Matthew Gary Pouliot, of Augusta, is unopposed for re-election as District #15 state senator. Jennifer V. Tuminaro, of China, and Katrina J. Smith, of Palermo, are rivals for the nomination for the House of Representatives from District #62. The winner will be Swift’s opponent in November.

China voting will be in the former portable classroom behind the town office on Lakeview Drive. After a moderator (required by state law) is elected at 7:55 a.m., polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The town office driveway from Lakeview Drive will be closed; entrance will be from Alder Park Road.

Absentee ballots are available at the town office through Thursday, June 9, without excuse or explanation, and later in special circumstances. The meeting room is set up to allow early voting there; voters who vote elsewhere may return ballots to the locked ballot box outside the office building, or by mail. The deadline for returning absentee ballots is 8 p.m. June 14.

Sample ballots and other information are on the town website, china.govoffice.com, under the Elections tab on the left side of the home page.

* * * * * *

Many of China’s municipal ballot questions are financial, asking voters to authorize an expenditure budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year that begins July 1, including spending Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

Voters who want to know in advance exactly how much they are asked to approve for different departments, boards and committees, projects and purposes should consult the document named “FY 2022-23 Budget Workbook” under the Elections tab.

As in past years, major spending requests are for public works ($1,449,745, including about $52,000 expected from state funds, in Art. 11); administration ($872,895 plus $25,000 for accrued compensation, to cover amounts that might be owed to retiring or resigning employees, in Art. 4); and the transfer station ($638,755, in Art. 10).

These articles and others that include town employees’ compensation reflect a 4.5 percent pay increase. Select board members debated raises ranging from 3 percent to 6 percent and by a 3-2 vote recommended 4.5 percent. Members Jeanne Marquis, Janet Preston and board chairman Ronald Breton voted for 4.5 percent increases; Blane Casey and Wayne Chadwick were opposed, favoring 3 percent.

Other large appropriations appear in:

  • Art. 7, asking for $157,985 for assessing and $30,000 for legal expenses.
  • Art. 8, asking for $16,995 for animal control, $34,000 for police services (by the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office) and $42,057 for dispatching emergency services (through the Waterville communications center).
  • Art. 9, asking for $166,755 for China’s three fire departments and China Rescue. This article, if approved, will cover buildings, equipment, insurance and other basics.
  • Art. 12, asking for $92,000 for community support organizations. This article includes additional funding for the fire departments and China Rescue intended to recognize volunteers’ service. It also helps support two lake protection organizations, two libraries, historic protection and “The Town Line” local newspaper.
  • Art. 14, asking for $88,290 for contingency expenses, as determined by the select board, with any funds needed to come from China’s undesignated fund balance (surplus), not from 2022-23 taxes.

The preceding five articles are recommended with no negative votes from select board or budget committee members. Some members abstained on some recommendations, usually to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest.

Art. 15 asks voters to approve using $265,000 from China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) money for 10 projects. They are listed on page 37 of the Second Amended TIF plan, with information on each numbered project on preceding pages. The plan is on the town website under the Tax Increment Financing Committee, which is under Officials, Board & Committees.

The largest proposed uses of TIF money include $65,000 for environmental improvements, primarily by the China Region Lakes Alliance and China Lake Association, and $50,000 for maintenance and improvement of trails, mainly by the Four Seasons Club.

Recommended uses of ARPA funds include, in Articles 30 through 35:

  • Buying two new generators for the town office complex;
  • Providing every house with an Emergency 911 number;
  • Buying a digital information sign to go in front of the South China fire station on Route 32 South (Windsor Road) for town and fire department use;
  • Compensating employees who worked with the public through the height of the pandemic;
  • Expanding town-sponsored activities for seniors; and
  • Buying a portable digital sign that will provide for “speed control and community announcements.”

Voters are asked to approve several authorizations for the select board, including authority to sell tax-acquired property (Art. 22); authority to apply for, accept and spend grants (Art. 23); authority to negotiate and approve contracts of up to five years for things like auditing, buying or leasing equipment and roadside mowing (Art. 25); and authority to buy “municipal vehicles, machinery and equipment” (Art. 28).

A specific request in Art. 27 is for approval to sell the no-longer needed police vehicle.

The last three warrant articles are non-monetary. Art. 36 asks voters to repeal a 1998 School Budget Ordinance, which Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said was made obsolete by membership in RSU #18.

Art. 38 asks voters to approve China’s updated comprehensive plan. A copy is on the website under the Elections tab, and the town office has a paper copy for review.

Art. 37, asking if voters want to enact a Large Scale Solar Facilities Moratorium Ordinance, generated debate among select board members. They ended up recommending that voters reject the ordinance by a vote of two supporters to three opponents.

At their March 28 meeting, Breton, Marquis and Preston outvoted Casey and Chadwick to authorize town attorney Amanda Meader to draft the moratorium ordinance for town voters’ action. At an April 4 special meeting, board members agreed to let voters decide on the moratorium; but Breton joined Casey and Chadwick in recommending that voters not approve it.

The argument in favor of the ordinance was that planning board members need time to finish writing and submit to voters (presumably in November) their proposed Solar Energy Systems Ordinance that would regulate future large-scale solar development in town.

The opposing argument was that the moratorium would prevent China landowners from taking advantage of offers to lease or buy their properties for solar development as long as it was in effect.

If voters approve the moratorium, it would last no longer than 180 days, unless the select board extended it.

The moratorium ordinance, too, is under the Elections tab on the town website.

LETTERS: Renewed appeal for litter-free roads

To the editor:

Time for the annual plea to stop littering Lakeview Drive and other China roads. Is there a way to appeal to otherwise thoughtful drivers? Paper and plastic cups, beer and soda cans, paper plates, plastic spoons, plastic bags, napkins, etc? Why not just keep it in the car and dispose of it as you know you should? Car litterbags are easy to come by, you’ll feel better, and it takes less effort than running the window down and tossing stuff out. To the drivers who drink beer while driving, please re-think what you are doing for more important reasons. Hey, it won’t be necessary to get rid of evidence in case you are stopped! Let’s create a litter-free China and give a friendly toot if you see someone walking and picking up litter. Those good deeds are appreciated BUT they won’t solve the problem, all drivers need to be heroes!

Richard Dillenbeck
China

China planners take solar field trip: pleased with results

by Mary Grow

CHINA, ME — Three China Planning Board members took a field trip to Three Level Farm community solar farm on Route 32 (Vassalboro Road) before their May 24 meeting, and were pleased with what they saw.

The visit was part of board members’ preparation to write a solar ordinance to submit to China voters in November. The solar farm was approved several years ago, under the current land use ordinance; provisions intended for buildings were adapted to regulate solar panels.

“This one sets the standard,” board member Walter Bennett said of Three Level Farm. He and others agreed a new solar-specific ordinance should include as requirements many of the things done at the South China site.

Specifically, they liked:

  • The limited impact on the natural environment. Only a few trees were cut; an existing wetland and drainage into it seem not to have been affected; minimal changes were made to the terrain.
  • The fact that the solar panels are almost invisible from the road. Board members pointed out that not all sites would be naturally screened, suggesting the need for a screening requirement.
  • The footings for the panels, three-inch diameter augurs that should be easy to remove when the solar farm is decommissioned.
  • The elevated panels – Codes Officer Jaime Hanson estimated the lower edges are about four feet from the ground and the top edges 10 feet – and the generous spacing, allowing a luxuriant growth of grass and clover.

With the minimal disruption to the site, it should return to its natural state soon after the facility is decommissioned, Bennett said.

Natale Tripodi said he had had reservation about solar farms, but after the visit is more enthusiastic.

The only concern discussed was how to allow wildlife into a fenced-off solar farm without also letting people in. Fencing and signage are essential, board members agreed, both to inform people that the area is private property and to avoid possible injury to trespassers.

The May 24 agenda called for discussion of the draft solar ordinance and proposed amendments to the Land Use Ordinance, the latter mostly to incorporate changes required by the state Department of Environmental Protection. With only three members present, acting board chairman James Wilkens postponed both topics.

Hanson said state officials are reviewing currently protected areas along lakes, streams and wetlands. Residents who question whether their property near any protected area is correctly zoned are invited to contact him; he will request a state review.

Wilkens thanked Hanson and Planning Board Secretary Dawn Kilgore for their work. He told Kilgore her diligence is appreciated (board members almost never suggest even a minor change in her detailed meeting minutes). And he told Hanson that he appears to have gained residents’ respect and to be managing codes enforcement smoothly.

Two days after the meeting, Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood reported that Hanson is resigning to accept a position with Kennebec County. China is advertising for a new codes officer.

Because the next regular planning board meeting would have fallen on Election Day, June 14, members agreed they will skip it and meet Tuesday evening, June 28, unless a special meeting is needed earlier.

South China remembers fallen soldiers

Photo courtesy of Ron Emery

SOUTH CHINA, ME — At the South China Veteran Monument ceremony on Monday, Memorial Day, May 30, Ron Emery, left, had the opportunity and honor to help a young veteran display the POW/MIA banner. He did not get his name but noticed his silver spurs. Soldiers serving with Cavalry units (referred to as Troopers) are inducted into the Order of the Spur after successfully completing a “Spur Ride” or for having served during combat as a member of a Cavalry unit. Emery thanks him for his service and his support for POW/MIA.

Scouts honor fallen warriors

Photo by Ron Emery

CHINA, ME — China Boy Scout Troop #479 participated in the Memorial Day ceremonies, on Monday, May 30, by marching to the cemetery. These are photos of the China Scouts.

Photo by Ron Emery

Photo by Ron Emery

Photo by Ron Emery

Memorial Day Festivities 2022

Memorial Day Festivities

South China Memorial Day Ceremony

Mon., May 30, 11 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Park
American Legion Post 179
Ceremony only, NO PARADE

China Village

China Village Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Meet at the Causeway Rd. FMI: Contact Mary Lockhart at 968-2717.

Town of Fairfield Memorial Day parade canceled

The Fairfield Memorial Day parade has been canceled due to the lack of participants and bands. The graveside tributes and luncheon will take place as scheduled, hosted by Fairfield VFW Post #6924, 246 Main St., Fairfield, 207-453-2565.

Madison Memorial day

Please join the members of The Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Post #39 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, Madison, in honoring Our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day, May 30, at the Memorial Day Ceremonies with guest speaker Brad Farrin, State Senator. Starting at 9 a.m., at Starks Town Office, 9:30 a.m., at the Veterans Monument, at Anson Town Office, followed by scattering of flowers off the bridge; 10 a.m. at the Veterans Monument, at the Madison Library; 10:30 a.m., at the US/Canadian Monument, at Forest Hills Cemetery, on Park Street ,and at 11 a.m., at the Joseph Quirion Veteran Monument, in the center of East Madison.