China planners OK permit application for Branch Mills dam

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by Mary Grow

At their May 23 meeting, China Planning Board members unanimously approved a permit application related to the planned rebuilding of the dam in Branch Mills, on the West Branch of the Sheepscot River.

Codes Officer Nicholas French said the application is to move more than 100 cubic yards of earth, an activity that requires a planning board permit when located in the shoreland district.

The application was filed by the Brunswick-based Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF); it was presented to the China board by Melissa Cote, Sheepscot River watershed manager for the Midcoast Conservancy, headquartered in Edgecomb. Accompanying paperwork says the Branch Pond dam, aka Dinsmore dam, is owned by the Brewer-based Maine Council Atlantic Salmon Federation, which has authorized ASF to rebuild the dam.

ASF’s summary on the first page of the application to the planning board says the project is “To repair the Branch Pond Dam to comply with state dam safety standards and operate correctly to meet the water level order, construct a fishway for native migratory fish to access their historic habitat, replacement of the dry fire hydrant so that it functions, create a hand-carry boat ramp for recreation and emergencies, improvements to gravel parking area for public access, security fencing and plantings for stabilization.”

The application says the property is about half an acre around the dam on both sides of the Sheepscot. The dam is more than 200 years old, the application says, “and does not meet safety requirements and cannot operate to handle flood events nor meet water level order.”

The Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) classified the dam as a “significant hazard” in October 1981, and the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has reaffirmed the finding, while no “significant repairs” have been made.

The water level order was issued by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) in October 2014 at the request of Branch Pond residents. The dam controls the pond’s water level.

Kleinschmidt Associates, of Pittsfield, has been working on engineering plans for the last five years. Repair work includes new gates and fill along the shore.

An Alaska SteepPass Fishway (made by Sheepscot Machine Works, in Newcastle, according to the company’s website) will help alewives and perhaps other migratory fish species go upstream to historic spawning grounds. A “gated plunge pool” will facilitate autumn downstream migration.

The application says the dry fire hydrant doesn’t work; a 2022 inspection team that included Palermo and China fire chiefs found it “was never constructed properly decades ago and needed to be completely replaced.”

The project needs other approvals and permits besides China’s. The application references historic preservation, endangered species (Atlantic salmon and Northern Long-Eared Bats), and permit applications being reviewed by the MDEP and the ACE.

The written application, and Cote in her presentation, emphasized consultation with affected residents and groups, like the Branch Pond Association; with local officials; and with state and federal agencies. A recent example was the May 6 public meeting in the Grange Hall, in Branch Mills. Cote said about 35 people attended, and there was “no negative feedback.”

Planning board continues preparing new section of land development code

After their May 23 permit approval for the Branch Mills dam work, China Planning Board members returned to their ongoing project, preparing a new section of China’s Land Development Code that, if approved by voters, would regulate solar installations in town.

Working from a draft that currently has 13 sections, they got part way into section 6 at their May 9 meeting and into section 7 on May 23.

The first three sections are standard: title, authority and purpose. Following sections involve defining types of installations covered and developing standards, complex processes board members discussed in detail.

The good news is that Section 13, when they get to it, has a single sentence: “The Ordinance becomes effective on [insert date].”

Board members intend to develop a draft in the next couple months and ask China select board members to present it to town voters on Nov. 8.

The board’s first June meeting would have fallen on June 13, Election Day. The reschedule date, as of May 30, was Thursday, June 15.

Local author captures award

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Michelle Shores

Local Maine Author, Michelle E. Shores, of Waterville, whose recently published book The Gathering Room – A Tale of Nelly Butler, has been awarded a 2023 IPPY AWARD for Best Fiction in the Northeast Region, Bronze Medal.

The Independent Publisher Book Awards, commonly known as the IPPY Awards, are a prestigious set of awards that recognize excellence in independent publishing. They have been held annually since 1996 and aim to highlight the best independently published books in a variety of categories.

The Gathering Room – A Tale of Nelly Butler brings to life, in fiction, the dramatic account of the first documented ghost sighting in America which occurred in Maine in 1799. Based on a true story, Michelle’s work weaves an epic tale of what the lives of George and Nelly Butler might have been like as they faced the supernatural in the form of a young girl, Lydia Blaisdell. Set in Sullivan and Franklin in Downeast Maine this is a haunting story that captivates the reader from the start.

Since its release in September 2022, The Gathering Room – A Tale of Nelly Butler has been a top selling book for Maine Authors Publishing located, in Thomaston. The book has sold in every state in the U.S. as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. Highly rated on Amazon, it is available in paperback and Kindle. Until recently, Michelle was the advertising manager for the Maine Tourism Association but had to give up her full-time job to meet the demands of this best-selling book. Michelle is willing to discuss her book, her journey into self publishing and being a bronze medalist in the IPPY Awards for Best Fiction in the Northeast.

For more information, contact Michelle at writerinmaine@gmail.com or 207-944-8361 or check out her website https://www.mshoreswriter.com/ or on all social media @mshoreswriter.

China’s Isaac Audette becomes Eagle Scout

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Audette Family: Eagle Scouts Bert and Isaac, and Janet Audette, of China. (photos courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

In 2022, 35,533 young men and women earned the Eagle Scout rank, joining more than 2.7 million Americans before them. Less than 6 percent of all youth who enter Scouting attain the rank of Eagle but China’s Isaac Audette, 14, did just that and received his Eagle Scout medal during a ceremony at China’s Central Lodge #45 Masonic Hall, on Saturday, May 20.

“To earn the highest rank in scouting, a scout must spend a great deal of time and effort,” said Matt Bodine, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Therefore, the occasion that recognized his accomplishment should be memorable. After a youth enters scouting, the Scout Law that he promises to obey begins to guide his life.”

Nick Choate, who will soon also receive the Eagle rank, said during the ceremony, “In the Scout Oath, the young Scout promises upon his or her honor to do their best to do their duty. first to God and their country; second, to other people, by helping them at all times; and third, to himself, by keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

Audette, who attends China Middle School, is the 48th Eagle Scout for Troop #479, since 1995. In order to earn the Eagle Scout rank, Isaac was required to provide leadership to others in order to complete a meaningful project in the community. Isaac’s project was to paint the unfinished interior of the new South China Public Library and build two outdoor bendings. Sanding and staining door and window trims were also completed as part of his project.

State Representative Katrina Smith, of Palermo, was on hand for the event and presented Isaac with a Legislative Sentiment noting his accomplishments.

Troop #479 Scoutmaster Christian Hunter, himself an Eagle Scout, reminded Isaac of his responsibilities. “As an Eagle Scout, the eyes of all scouting, the eyes of the world, will be upon you. The traditions and standards of Eagle Scouts are high. May you live up to those traditions and standards, always guided by the spirit of scouting.”

Hugs for Pops: Eagle Scout Isaac Audette hugs his grandfather, David “Pops” Singer, after presenting him with one of his Eagle Scout Mentor Pins. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

One of the highlights of the ceremony came when Isaac presented one of his Eagle Scout Mentor Pins to his grandfather David “Pops” Singer. “This person has been by my side and is hands down one of the most influential people in my life,” Isaac said. “He has taught me many things including fishing, metal detecting, magnet-fishing, and sparking a passion for cooking at a young age. We love trash talking each other about basketball teams even though mine always comes up on top.”

Local students named to dean’s list at Cedarville University

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Catherine Estes, of Sidney, and Josette Gilman, of China, were named to the spring 2023 dean’s list at Cedarville University, in Cedarville, Ohio.

Lydia Gilman achieves Spring 2023 dean’s list at Belmont University

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Lydia Gilman

Lydia Gilman, of China, qualified for Belmont University’s spring 2023 dean’s list, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Lake Life Today: While planning for the future

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FALL SCENE: Susan Thiem, of Texas, a summer resident on China Lake, took this photo prior to her departure this past fall.

submitted by Elaine Philbrick

Lake Life Today is a series of articles that we hope will inspire you to see how, by taking just a few steps, you can make a difference and help preserve the quality of water in our lakes for future generations.

These articles have been collected and organized by LakeSmart Director Elaine Philbrook, a member of China Region Lakes Alliance (aka “the Alliance”) serving China Lake, Webber Pond, Three Mile Pond, and Three-Cornered Pond. The Alliance would like to thank our partners at Maine Lakes and Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) for information to support this article.

  • Be LakeSmart
  • Lakes Environmental Association
  • LakeSmart Tip: Spring Cleaning

As you open your camp this spring, consider the following suggestions for protecting your lake.

Cleaning Up Yard Debris

Pine needles, leaves, and other undisturbed vegetative material (small, downed branches and twigs) can help supplement your property’s “duff layer” at the shoreline. This is a layer of decaying leaf and undisturbed vegetative material that creates a buffer-like area to promote your landscape’s ability to infiltrate stormwater. Promoting vegetation at the shoreline’s edge will also protect the riparian zone for wildlife habitat on your shorefront property. It is advisable to retain as much of this natural duff layer as possible while still being able to enjoy your property.

  • Pine needles and leaves should not be raked up except to provide a safety barrier around your fire pit or to maintain your (hopefully minimal) lawn. Regarding lawns generally: Please avoid importing “fancy aesthetics” to your lakeside, such as miniature or dwarf fruit trees. Instead go with more natural shoreline plants that would help stabilize your buffer. It is Maine’s lakeside natural environment that we all love. Go to Shoreline Landscaping for Lake Protection, Maine Department of Environmental Protection for more info.
  • Downed branches and other debris should only be removed in areas where you recreate or walk.
  • Leaving the natural duff layer is a critical part of the forest ecosystem and should be left intact outside of footpaths.
  • Also, try to avoid using commercial fertilizers that contain concentrations of phosphorous (i.e., a nutrient that contributes to algae blooms in our lakes).

Activating Your Septic Tank

Septic tanks activate after the winter naturally. No additives are needed to get your septic tank’s bacterial process started in the spring. Rid-X and similar bacterial enzyme additives interfere with natural tank bacterial action, often causing accelerated breakdown of solid and turning sludge into a slurry which can then enter and plug up your leach field. Do not waste your money on products that don’t work and can harm your septic system!

Maintaining Water Diverters

Existing open top “box” culverts and/or so-called “rubber razors blades” installed along your camp road need periodic inspection and cleaning. Runoff into these diverters carries silt which builds up and can reduce or eliminate the diverter’s capacity to function. In open top culverts, remove the silt which settles. Similarly, clean up the silt which builds along the uphill edge of any rubber razor blades, and dredge the outlet edge of all diverters to remove the silt that has built up there.

At the Water’s Edge

  • Inspect your dock entrance to ensure it is not allowing runoff into the lake.
  • Assess whether there is any undercutting of the lake bank from waves crashing into your shoreline.

If you have any questions about what you can do to ensure the integrity of your valued lake or if you would like a free LakeSmart evaluation you can reach Elaine Philbrook by email at chinalakesmart@gmail.com and follow-up to read the next Townline newspaper.

Live lightly on the land for the sake of the lake (LakeSmart).

China Lake main theme at select board meeting

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by Mary Grow

For the May 22 China Select Board meeting, China Lake was a major theme, in three different ways.

Select board members unanimously and appreciatively accepted a proposal from the China Lake Association, represented virtually by board member Bruce Fitzgerald, to have a Colby professor and class do an economic impact study of China Lake.

Fitzgerald said the study would cost the town zero dollars. There would probably be requests for information, some of which might require town office staff time; Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood saw no problem.

The main theme would be the value of lake-based tourism to China. Fitzgerald invited other suggestions for content, and said it might be possible to involve the China Region Lakes Alliance and expand the study to Three Mile and Webber ponds.

Fitzgerald said the same professor did a Belgrade Lakes study. That 12-page document, titled A Case Study of the Economic Impact of Seasonal Visitors to a Lake Watershed Environment, is on line under athensjournals.gr/ tourism/2015-2-2-1-Donihue.pdf. The first author listed is Colby College professor Michael Donihue.

Also speaking virtually, China Lake Association President Stephen Greene said the organization has applied for a grant for work around China Lake that, if approved, would include improvements at the boat landing in South China.

His report sparked a brief discussion of the landing. Greene said the lake association currently favors a carry-in only, unpaved landing; two select board members consider a paved area a longer-lasting option.

Hapgood said if funds for improvements become available, there will be additional discussions, especially with South China Village residents.

The manager presented the third lake issue: she reported that the dock at the head of the lake broke over the weekend. China’s public works crew responded and are working on repairs that Hapgood hoped would be completed in a few days.

In other business May 22:

  • Select board members awarded summer paving work to the low bidder, Maine-ly Paving Services, LLC, of Canaan, at a price of $87.75 per ton of paving mix.
  • They awarded the summer mowing bid to the only bidder, Pierce Works, LLC, of China, for a price of $4,900 for one mowing or $9,800 for two mowings.
  • Two items were postponed: proposed amendments to the Planning Board Ordinance, recommended by the planning board and scheduled tentatively for presentation to voters in November; and local penalty assessment guidelines.

Absentee ballots for China’s June 13 annual town business meeting are now available, as is the new town report.

Overall school budget looks good

At the May 22 China select board meeting, Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 Superintendent Carl Gartley said the overall regional budget is up 2.93 percent, and China’s share is up 2.08 percent, or about $106,000.

“In today’s economy, I thought that was pretty darn good,” Gartley said.

He reported that RSU students are doing well educationally, and the district is financially secure, with reserve funds built up in the last few years.

China Middle School has a new 300-foot well, after months of bottled water use since PFAS was found in the old well. If the new well does not solve the problem, an expensive treatment system will be installed.

China Primary School’s well water tested fine, Gartley said.

Plans for this summer’s work in China include re-siding China Elementary School (a big building, Gartley commented) and adding four pickleball courts for public use. The new courts will be between the softball outfield and the parking lot; they will not be lighted.

The next regular China select board meeting will be Monday evening, June 5.

EVENTS: No parade in China; One in Albion

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China to hold moment of prayer

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, there will be a parade in Albion, beginning at 9 a.m., from the Besse Building.
There will be no parade in China, however, there will be a moment of prayer, at 10 a.m., at the China Baptist Church, on Causeway St.

EVENTS: Thurston Park committee to meet

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Hikers on Bridge in Thurston Park (Photo courtesy: Town of China)

by Mary Grow

China’s Thurston Park Committee meets at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 18, at the park. The main purpose of the meeting, chairman Jeanette Smith said, is to determine what maintenance is needed in preparation for Erskine Academy’s Day of Caring work day on Friday, May 19, and the annual Spring Work Day in the park on Saturday, May 20.

Residents interested in participating on May 20 or in getting more information about Thurston Park and the committee are invited to email thurstonpark@outlook.com.

China select board to hold second public hearing on board of appeals changes

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by Mary Grow

China select board members will hold a second public hearing on the proposed changes in the Board of Appeals section in the Land Use Ordinance (see The Town Line, May 11, p. 2) before their May 22 meeting.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood explained in an email after the May 8 board meeting that there were errors in the marked-up version of the ordinance available that evening. The final version of the amendments on which voters will act June 13 was correct, she said; and corrected versions of the explanatory marked-up version are now on the town website in two places, under the Elections tab on the left side of the page and on the select board page under Officials, Boards & Committees.

On May 22, beginning at 6 p.m., in the town office meeting room, select board members will host two public hearings. Residents are invited to comment on the Four Seasons Club request to use part of Bog Brook and Pleasant View Ridge roads as an ATV trail (see The Town Line, April 27, p. 2) and on the proposed ordinance amendment.

The select board meeting will follow the hearings.