Oak Grove grants available

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The Oak Grove-Coburn school today, serving as the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

The Oak Grove School Foundation is accepting applications for grants to support the education and cultural needs of students and non-profit organizations in the greater Central Maine area.

Recipients must be educational, charitable or religious organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.

Grant requests should be received by April 5, 2024. Funding decisions will be made in May and shortly after the funds will be distributed in July. Recent grants have ranged $500-$5,000. The OGSF has also provided seed money for initiatives that last up to three years.

Groups interested in obtaining application forms and guidelines can email ogsftreas@gmail.com or visit https://sites.google.com/site/ogsfoundationorg/major-grants.

Applications may be emailed or USPS to Oak Grove School Foundation, P.O. Box 23, East Vassalboro, ME 04935.

Ice Out winners announced 2024

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Because ice went out on China Lake on a record date of March 11, 2024, the contest officially ended on that day.

Two entries nailed the date correctly: Jamie Nichols and Jennifer Noll both entered the exact date of ice out and are the winners of a gift card to Hannaford’s Supermarket.

MaineGeneral’s podiatrists: getting you back on your feet

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MaineGeneral Orthopaedics surgical podiatrists Michael Kipp, DPM, left, and Brian Loring, DPM. (contributed photo)

by John D. Begin

As a high school soccer player, Michael Kipp had foot and ankle injuries that required appointments with a podiatrist to treat his issues. At the time, he could not appreciate that the appointments would plant the seed for a decade-plus career as a podiatric surgeon.

“As a college undergrad, I knew I wanted to go into health care, so I spent a summer shadowing the podiatrist I met in high school, and the rest is history,” he said. “I liked that patients would see him and, in many cases, leave feeling better instantly.”

Kipp earned a doctorate degree in podiatric medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA in 2010. After completing his residency in podiatric medicine and surgery at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY in 2013, he moved to Maine to work in private practice until he joined MaineGeneral Orthopaedics and its podiatry team in September 2022.

He and fellow podiatrist Brian Loring, DPM, offer a range of surgical interventions including ankle arthroscopy, Charcot foot reconstruction, bunion and hammertoe correction, ankle fusion and minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. The surgical podiatric care team is supported by Doug O’Heir, DPM, Renee Slaney, FNP-C, and Certified Foot Care Specialist Lori Melancon, RN. The team also offers general foot care services at MaineGeneral Orthopaedics’ practice sites in Augusta and Oakland.

Got foot pain? They can help!

Kipp and Loring will offer a free event on April 11 to discuss non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical treatments that MaineGeneral Orthopaedics offers to treat foot and ankle conditions and the pain or limitations associated with them. They also will answer questions from those attending.

The 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. session will be held in Conference Rooms 1 & 2 at the Alfond Center for Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway, Augusta. Space is limited so registration is required online at www.mainegeneral.org/foot-pain, by calling (207) 624-3881 or by emailing joshua.hamel@mainegeneral.org.

The event also will educate community members about the breadth of foot and ankle care their team provides.

“People sometimes mistakenly assume podiatrists only do routine foot care. While cutting toenails or treating corns and calluses are an important part of our job, that’s only one small part of what we can offer to patients,” Kipp said. “Because we are residency trained in surgical podiatry, we can do so much more.”

Making a difference in patients’ lives

Loring is the newest member of MaineGeneral Orthopaedics’ podiatry team, having joined the practice in July 2023 after completing his podiatric surgery residency at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, PA. Before that, he earned a doctorate degree in podiatric medicine from Des Moines University in Des Moines, IA in 2020. He likes that his work can help improve a patient’s quality of life.

“Some patients come for their first appointment and, within that appointment, I can greatly reduce or eliminate their pain,” he said. “It’s great to be able to change their day and, sometimes, their life.”

Dr. Kipp agrees.

“Where else can you say that someone came in feeling miserable and later walked out the door, thanking you and saying, ‘I actually feel better already,’” he said.

Loring also enjoys the challenge of finding the cause of a patient’s medical issue and then offering treatment options for it.

“One of my favorite things to do in my free time is work on my car,” he said. “There are similarities between mechanical work and working with the foot and the ankle. You have parts that may not be functioning properly and my job is figuring out what’s wrong with the anatomy and then fixing the problem.”

Loring and Kipp appreciate being part of a comprehensive team at MaineGeneral Orthopaedics, both for what it offers them professionally and what it means for patients with more than one issue.

“There’s really a multidisciplinary approach to care at MaineGeneral,” Loring said, “so if I have a patient who comes in for foot pain and they mention they also have back problems, I can quickly refer them to where they need to be seen.”

“We’re part of a greater practice that offers orthopaedic care from head to toe, with highly skilled clinicians available to treat the whole patient,” Kipp added. “It’s great to work with people you trust and would encourage a family member to see.”

To learn more about the full range of care that MaineGeneral Orthopaedics provides, visit www.mainegeneral.org/orthopaedics.

John D. Begin is a communications specialist in MaineGeneral Health’s Marketing and Communications Department.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 14, 2024

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JOSEPH R. LeBLANC

BANGOR – Joseph Robert LeBlanc, 83, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at a Bangor Hospital. He was born on May 20, 1940, in Waterville, the son of Joseph Wilfred LeBlanc and Jennette Beatrice Richards LeBlanc.

Bob served in the U.S. Army, the Army Reserve, and the Air National Guard. One month after Alaska became a state, Bob was stationed there. His career included being a photographer, a forest ranger, a Kennebec County deputy sheriff, a computer salesman, and he held a variety of positions on the railroad.

When personal computers and hard drives first become available to purchase, Bob taught himself how to build computers from scratch. As a member of the Central Maine Linux Users Group, Bob taught people how to install Linux software, and how to use it. Amateur radio was his passion; Bob got his Ham license over 40 years ago.

Bob’s parents Joseph Wilfred LeBlanc and Jennette Beatrice Richards LeBlanc, and his brother, Mark LeBlanc, predeceased him.

He is survived by his daughters Janet L. LeBlanc and Rebecca L. Yong; his grandson, Alex Young; his niece, Sara Tulley, his nephew, Brian LeBlanc; and three step-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, March 4, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

GALEN LANPHIER

VASSALBORO – Galen “Lucky” Lanphier, 76, peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at his home. “Lucky” was born on February 1, 1948, son to Lewis and Louise (Tyler) Lanphier. He was born and raised in Camden, where he created many memories.

He was a proud veteran who served in the U. S. Navy from 1965-1971. He was a devoted father, husband, grandfather and friend. Lucky enjoyed golfing, spending time with family, and working in his garden.

He was predeceased by both his parents and his brother Stephen.

He is survived by his wife Belinda “Sissy” Lanphier, who he spent 41 years with; children Jamie Mayhew, Diane Coleman, Max Lanphier, Brandi Mayhew and Tammy LaBelle; grandchildren Nason, Denali, Alecia, Leticia, Allen Michael, Alisha Dawn, Amber Rose and Alexa; great-grandchildren Chloe, Cyrus and Claire; siblings Clinton, Clayton and Joanne; brother Bobby Talbot; and close friend Melanie Sanborn.

A Celebration of life was held on Saturday, March 9, at Fairfield VFW.

BRADFORD L. THORPE SR.

WATERVILLE – Bradford Leigh Thorpe Sr. “Brad”, 68, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. Brad was born on March 25, 1955, to parents Robert and Marianne Thorpe.

Brad was a cherished husband, father, and papa. He was known for his selfless nature and always extended a helping hand to those in need. Brad had a rewarding career at Dead River Company for 28 years. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing, camping, solving puzzles and problems, and spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Thorpe; his mother Marianne Thorpe; his children, Benjamin Thorpe, Jennifer and husband Charles Alley, Bradford Thorpe Jr., Kelley and husband Ben Plaisted, Katherine Thorpe, Nicole and husband Ian Haywood, Ashley and husband Michael Allen, Miranda and husband Carlton Prime, Matthew D. Thorpe, and Pete and wife Mindy Mass (who were like children to Brad), Kloee and and husband Nelson Bradley; his grandchildren, Patrick, Nevick, Capri, Myles, Zephelin, Mallory, Carlan, Weston, Logan, Theodore, Isabella, Lola, and Vivienne; great-grandchild Sarrese; his siblings James Thorpe and wife Gai, Steve Thorpe and wife Dixie, Diana McKeen and husband Daniel, Andrew Thorpe and wife Amy, and Thomas Thorpe and wife Kimberly; aunt Linda Thorpe; as well as many nieces, nephews.

Brad was predeceased by his father Robert Thorpe; son Matthew A. Thorpe; and uncle Douglas Thorpe.

A funeral will be held at East Benton Christian Church on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. A gathering will be held immediately afterward at the church for family and friends to gather and celebrate Brad.

MARGO J. VINCENT

WATERVILLE – Margo J. Vincent, 75, of Waterville, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Oak Grove Center, Waterville. She was born to Leon Vincent and Bertha Vincent Swanson, on November 21, 1948, at Madison Avenue, Redington Memorial Hospital, Skowhegan.

Margo attended the Clinton Elementary and Waterville school systems. Following her schooling, she was employed by Harris Bakery, in Waterville, for a brief time and then worked at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, as a dietary aid and laundry assistant, retiring in 2014 after 40 years of service to MaineGeneral Hospital, inWaterville.

She was a former member of the Waterville Business and Professional Women and member of the Getchell Street United Baptist Church, in Waterville, where she served as Sunday School secretary.

Margo was an avid fan of the Boston Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics. She enjoyed putting puzzles together, knitting, and playing solitaire. Current issues of latest Seek and Find, Sudoku and Jumbo books waiting for her enjoyment.

Over the years she had two furry friends Precious and Lily keeping her company at her home.

Margo was predeceased by her parents, Leon Vincent and Bertha V. Swanson; sister Nancy L. Lizotte; stepfather Lawrence Swanson; and stepsister Eleanor Hunter.

She is survived by her sister Marilyn V. Ladd, of Oakland; and stepbrother Ted Swanson, of Unity; nieces and spouses Elizabeth Medema (Ed), of Mukilteo, Washington, Terri Suchar (Russell), of Pittston; grand-nieces and -nephews Joel, Corey, Rebecca, Evan, Luke, and Sarah Suchar, all of Pittston; and several cousins.

A celebration of Margo’s life was held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Getchell Street United Baptist Church, 3 Getchell Street, Waterville, with former Pastor Ronald Corey officiating.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, where memories of Margo may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Huamen Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

NAPOLEON J. ROY

AUGUSTA – Napoleon J. Roy, 99, passed away peacefully while in residence in the Memory Care unit at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. Napoleon was born in Waterville on April 22, 1924, the son of Aglae and Paul Roy

Napoleon, aka “Nappy” to all his caregivers at MVH, proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine during World War II. During the conflict, Napoleon was stationed in the Panama Canal, protecting ships using that vital link for naval and supply vessels. When pressed about his service, “Nap” would recall spending nights in the jungles with his guard dog to ensure the safety and security of ship traffic.

Napoleon was predeceased by his three siblings, Harold, Lionel, and Theresa. All three boys served in World War II, each in a different service branch.

At the age of 39, Nap married his beloved Juliette and they enjoyed more than three decades of adventure, travel and fostering new friendships as they resided in their castle, on Summit Street, in Fairfield.

Nap’s love of gardening was the envy of many, as he took great pride in manicured grounds. Upon Julie’s passing, Napoleon returned to the family home on Nudd Street, in Waterville, where he would engage neighbors with his wit, contagious flirting, and uncanny ability to repair anything. As a product of the Great Depression, Nap was mindful not to waste and be frugal with what he earned. He doted over Theresa’s three children, Peggy, Donald, and Larry, which he considered his own.

While Napoleon fell a few weeks short of turning 100, his life was filled with a twinkle in his eye and debonair charm. Nap was a lifetime member at the Waterville Elks Lodge, where he always enjoyed a game of pool along with dining and dancing. He also had lifetime memberships with the Waterville Forrest J. Pare Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1285, and Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5. Nap’s longevity in life, outliving all his immediate family and friends, was the result of constantly being “on the move” and living life to its’ fullest.

Napoleon’s final years were spent cultivating a new family, a wonderful array of caregivers at the Maine Veterans Home. It was there that “Nappy” and his endearing personality led to many staff hugs, activities, and smiles. During his time at the Maine Veterans Home, he was blessed to participate in Honor Flight Maine, where he witnessed firsthand the World War II memorial in the nation’s capital.

A service was held the next morning, Saturday, March 9, at Gallant Funeral Home, followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

CECIL B. HALL

UNITY – Cecil B. Hall, 89, died Thursday, March 7, 2024, at his hom. He was born in Marsardis on February 16, 1935.

He graduated and joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War 1954 to 1957.

Cecil retired from Ames at the age of 62. He continued to work after “retirement” for American Greetings part time until he was 80.

Cecil was a gentle soul. His kind hearted ways, smile and laugh will never be forgotten. When he saw you his beautiful blue eyes would light up as he would say “Hi Honey” to his girls. His love was pure and unconditional. He will be truly missed.

He enjoyed making birdhouses, small furniture and puttering in his workshop. He loved being outside working in the yard, garden, raking leaves and shoveling snow. We enjoyed his funny stories about growing up in the county… from picking potatoes to walking miles to school through 2 feet of snow during snow storms.

He is survived by his wife, Gabrielle; daughter, Jo Ann Ponsant; stepdaughters Gisele Castonguay, Ginger Raymond Stevens and their extended families; sisters Diane David and Elaine Hall; brother, Arlo Hall.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Jannie Lee Hall; brother, Charles Hall and sister, Yvonne Brewer.

Cremation arrangements are by Dan and Scott Adams Cremation and Funeral Services, Farmington, 207-779-9008, or Skowhegan, 207-474-0000)

Date of internment at the Maine Veterans Cemetery to be determined.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) https://www.dav.org.

OTHERS DEPARTED

STACY A. GRONDIN

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Stacy A. Grondin, 49, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away at Vanderbilt Hospital following a short battle with aggressive cancer, on Mon­day, February 19, 2024. Stacy was born on February 21, 1974, to Robert Grondin and Gail Champine (Whitter) in Augusta. A few years later they moved to Winslow where Stacy graduated from Winslow Senior High School class of 1992.

Stacy met the father of her three daughters, Jeffrey Gush, shortly after graduating. Stacy and Jeff relocated to Tennessee in the fall of 1997. She worked at Toys R Us until the store closed. She then worked for Aldi’s for many years in different positions for the company. Most recently she worked at Sprout’s Farmers Market. While down there she met her boyfriend of 20 years, Christopher Richardson.

Stacy absolutely loved spending time with her grandchild, she spent as much time as she could with them right up to the last weeks of her life. Stacy loved animals and frequented the Nashville Zoo often. She leaves behind her two dogs Bella and Polo and her two cats Koala and Fat Cat. Outside of spending time with her daughters and grandchildren she loved escaping the Nashville heat and visiting home (Maine) as often as she could.

Stacy was predeceased by her daughter Jaime Ann Gush (Ashley’s twin); both sets of grandparents Armand and Evelyn Grondin and Stanley and Irene Whittier both of Augusta; her uncle Stephen Grondin.

Stacy is survived by her father Robert Grondin (long time girlfriend, Tina Wellman), of Mt Vernon; her mother Gail Champine (spouse, Timothy), of Waterville; her three daughters and four grandchildren Samantha Gush, Ashley Gush (granddaughter Ashlyn Clinard, grandson Leo Gush and granddaughter Aurora Cartelli) and Emily Grondin (grandson, Kaiden “KK” Grondin), all residing in Nashville; her sisters Jessica Grondin (nephew and niece Dylan and Madison Yakimchick), of Waterville, Carly Champine, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts;her aunts Alice, Joyce, Pam and Jane, and her uncle David; along with many cousins.

A celebration of life will be on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 2 p.m., at the Pointe Afta, 252 China Rd., Winslow, ME 04901.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, P.O. Box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141, orcahope.org.

LETTERS: Kudos to SCVFD

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To the editor:

Many, many thanks to the South China Volunteer Fire Department volunteers. Recent storms have certainly caused huge problems – sometimes very dangerous problems. Twice in the last few months on the road I live on, multiple trees have downed wires across our narrow, windy road with its blind spots, making travel on the road hazardous to say the least. On both occasions a call to 911 resulted in someone from the department being on the scene within only a matter of minutes, assessing the scene, communicating with others as needed, and then helping to ensure cones were put out and drivers provided warning of the danger so they stayed safe.

These volunteers have work, families, and a host of other obligations, just like the rest of us. But they add to their busy lives serving their community. Indeed, they literally drop what they are doing day or night to provide assistance for a wide range of situations, all of which are focused on helping the rest of us stay safe or get needed help.

I am so very grateful to these folks. I hope others will join me in not only thanking them but supporting them in whatever possible. And for those of you outside of South China, I hope you will do the same for your local fire department volunteers. We are all in their debt.

Susan Cottle
South China

LETTERS: CMP, PUC should treat all customers equally

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To the editor:

An open letter to Central Maine Power Co. and the Public Utilities Commission respectively, as a retired electrical/contractor/engineer. We had trouble with both entities just after moving to Maine in 1988. [We] built two homes with baseboard electric heat and was told by a CMP field engineer that we were stupid to go with electric heat.

This was long before the new green energy fad, so all us electric people using baseboard heat were ahead of the curve when it came to zero carbon emissions. CMP and the PUC were so anti-electric heat that we were hit with a 12 percent luxury tax, and, to make things worse, were given a TOU meter which is a punitive meter because we used more than 2,000 KWH in one month.

Now, to my gripe. I got a flyer from CMP stating that heat pump users may get a special rate? What about us loyal electric heat people who have paid dearly for heat with no complaints. I lived in a state where the power company had a special rate for all electric homes. But not in Maine. I never saw such a company that punishes you for being carbon neutral, plus is CMP a business where the more you use they give you a discount? Of course not!

Gone are the good old days when Paul Flannagan was president of CMP and Steve Ward was the chairman of the PUC. In closing, I’m hoping my letter wakes up some of our legislators and push CMP and PUC to treat all electric heat homeowners fairly.

Frank Slason
Somerville

EVENTS: China GOP to caucus

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There will be a Town of China Republican Caucus on Thursday March 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of a Maine Republican town caucus is to elect delegates and a delegation chairman to the Maine Republican State Convention to be held April 26 and 27, 2024; to elect representatives to the Kennebec County Republican Committee; to elect the officers of the Town of China Republican Committee; and to review and ratify bylaws for the town committee. Republican candidates for state and local offices present will be given an opportunity to speak. Any registered Republican voter in the Town of China can participate. The caucus will convene in the portable building behind the town office at 6:30 p.m.

Select board gets 2024-25 budget ready for budget committee review

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members spent most of their March 7 meeting continuing to discuss the 2024-25 town budget, getting it in shape for budget committee review.

The Vassalboro Budget Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening, March 19, Town Manager Aaron Miller said.

Select board members suggested a few more changes. They and Miller still await answers to some of the questions raised at earlier meetings, like an opinion from the town’s auditor on how some money can be rearranged (see the March 7 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).

Road work for next year was again a major topic. Public works department staff provided information on needs for equipment, paving and other work and discussed preferred ways to meet them.

Vassalboro nomination papers available

by Mary Grow

Nomination papers for Vassalboro elective officials are now available at the town office.

Two positions are open this year: Christopher French’s term on the select board and Jolene Clark Gamage’s term on the school board end. Town Clerk Cathy Coyne said as of March 11, both French and Gamage were circulating nomination papers for re-election, and Burton Miller was circulating papers for the select board position.

Members of each board serve three-year terms.

Signed papers must be returned to the town office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, with 25 signatures of registered Vassalboro voters, for candidates’ names to appear on the June 11 ballot.

The draft municipal government budget after the March 7 meeting, plus Miller’s estimate of the Kennebec County tax, totals $3.872 million, an increase of more than $300,000 over the current year.

In other business March 7, select board members approved spending up to $6,000 from unappropriated ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money to finish paying for two additional heat pumps at the town-owned former East Vassalboro school building, now the Vassalboro Historical Society headquarters and museum.

Miller and board member Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., said they are still waiting for information on what, if anything, can be done to help Vassalboro Sanitary District (VSD) customers as they face another rate increase April 1.

Miller has been consulting the town’s attorney. Denico said Laurie A. Stevens, northern New England regional director for RCAP Solutions, submitted a report and recommendations, but he awaits answers to follow-up questions.

Stevens attended a discussion on the problem in December 2023, where she explained that her organization helps small towns with water and wastewater needs. RCAP Solutions is federally funded, so neither VSD nor the town is charged for services.

“Still in a holding pattern, unfortunately,” Miller summarized.

Board members postponed discussion of the town’s personnel policy to their March 21 meeting. Miller said staff members have given him suggestions for changes.

The March 21 meeting will include a public hearing on revisions to Vassalboro’s Marijuana Business Ordinance.

Budget committee agrees with select board on budget items except one

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by Mary Grow

Five of the seven China Budget Committee members met March 5 and reviewed the select board’s 2024-25 municipal budget recommendations, agreeing with all but one (see the March 7 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).

The $3,000 issue over which the two boards differ is a donation to The Town Line newspaper, one item in the $77,000 request for community support organizations.

At the March 4 select board meeting, board chairman Wayne Chadwick and member Blane Casey objected to China taxpayers supporting the newspaper when no other town contributes. Brent Chesley added that China provides office space in the basement of the old town house and pays for advertisements (of public hearings, for example).

Joann Austin, a member of the paper’s board of directors, replied that efforts to get contributions from nearby towns have never succeeded. Select board member Jeanne Marquis reminded board members they are required to advertise hearings, and any alternative might be more expensive; and said having the old town house used regularly is a benefit.

Chadwick’s motion to delete the $3,000 was approved on a 3-2 vote, with Casey, Chadwick and Chesley in favor and Marquis and Janet Preston opposed. A revised recommendation of $74,000 for community support organizations went to the budget committee on a 4-1 vote, with Marquis opposed.

The main discussion at the March 5 budget committee meeting was not over whether to support The Town Line, but where funds should come from. Committee chairman Thomas Rumpf advised Austin to apply for TIF (Tax Increment Financing) money.

After consideration of timing and whether to recommend an appropriation only if TIF money was not available, budget committee members voted 4-1 to recommend adding $3,000 for the newspaper back into the community support organizations budget. The majority consisted of Rumpf, Timothy Basham, Elizabeth Curtis and Trishea Story; Michael Sullivan was opposed.

Other items in this account include support for historic buildings and grants to the China Lake Association, China Rescue, the three volunteer fire departments, the two libraries and the Golden Agers group that meets weekly in the former portable classroom behind the town office.

Sullivan also voted against the recommendation of $84,220 for town boards and committee. Votes to approve the rest of the select board’s recommended budget were unanimous except when a budget committee member abstained to avoid a possible conflict of interest.

As of March 5, Hapgood calculated the select board’s recommended 2024-25 municipal budget at a little over $4.8 million, almost $160,000 less than the department requests submitted and over $360,000 more than the comparable figure for the current fiscal year.

The budget committee could not review the 2024-25 Kennebec County tax or the school budget request, because Hapgood had no figure for either.

Before the meeting adjourned, Rumpf pointed out that the town’s Budget Committee Ordinance (adopted in 2006, and referring to the latest known previous version approved in 1947) is out of date.

Select board discusses a wide variety of topics

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by Mary Grow

China select board members discussed a wide variety of topics at their March 11 meeting and made three decisions (in addition to the routine ones, like approving expenditures).

Without dissenting votes, board members:

— Agreed to apply for a Community Resilience Grant to be used for a new trail in Thurston Park;
— Accepted proposed draft ordinances for forwarding to voters in June, conditional on planning board approval when that board met March 12; and
— Accepted the revised 54-page Emergency Preparedness Plan presented by the Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Emergency Preparedness Committee chairman Ronald Morrell and member Stephen Nichols presented the emergency plan. As part of implementation, Morrell said, committee members are arranging for China firefighters and rescue members to tour facilities like the Friends Camp on Lakeview Drive.

The China schools have their own emergency plans, coordinated with the town plan, Morrell said.

The preliminary warrant for the June 11 town business meeting includes the repeatedly-discussed Solar Ordinance; amendments to Chapter 2 of China’s Land Use Ordinance, drafted by town attorney Amanda Meader to implement the 2022 state housing law known as LD 2003; and amendments to the Planning Board Ordinance.

Select board members did not put the warrant in final form. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said she might have a final version ready for action at the March 25 board meeting.

Hapgood advised planning board chairman Toni Wall that, according to Meader, the planning board should hold a public hearing on the additions to Chapter 2 of the Land Use Ordinance, but not on the other two items. That hearing is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday evening, March 26.

All proposed warrant articles must be submitted to the town office by Friday, April 12, Hapgood said. The select board will hold a public hearing on the entire warrant; that hearing is not yet scheduled.

Board member Janet Preston, who represents the board to the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) shared again results of a 2023 survey of China residents’ priorities for a Community Resilience Grant.

Board members said the China Lake Association already has grant money for the top priority, erosion control at the South China board landing. They were unenthusiastic about the second priority, providing transportation for senior citizens (Preston suggested buying an electric car and hiring a driver).

The third priority was building a planned new trail in Thurston Park, the town-owned recreation area in northeastern China. Board members voted to apply to KVCOG for a grant for that project.

Board chairman Wayne Chadwick, seconded by Brent Chesley, had one objection to the whole process: they wish grants would help fund maintenance of existing facilities, instead of providing new ones for local taxpayers to maintain.

“You got to look at the whole picture, not just the initial cost,” Chadwick summarized.

In other business March 11, Morrell told select board members boat trailers parked at the east end of the causeway by the boat landing hang out into the roadway, sometimes interfering with traffic.

At the west end of the causeway, he said, boaters park in the church parking lot, especially during bass tournaments on China Lake. They are welcome, except on Sunday mornings and when the church is hosting a wedding or other event.

Morrell would like a system to make people aware they are using church property, and with tournaments to require advance notice. Select board members could see no way the town could help, but they offered individual suggestions, from posting signs to arranging to have vehicles towed away.

Hapgood said public services director Shawn Reed hopes the public works crew will have time to put in the docks at the boat landing by April.

The manager listed dates to remember: a select board meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 25; a road committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 26; a planning board meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 26; a board of appeals meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28; and the second half of 2023-24 property taxes due by the close of business at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 29.