Concerns about proposed Pine Tree subdivision in Palermo

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Hank Holden, Palermo resident

by Jeanne Marquis

James Boyle, former Maine State House Representative, presented preliminary plans at the Palermo Planning Board November 13 meeting for a 27-acre subdivision on Hostile Valley Road (Tax Map R11, lot 27C) in a sparsely developed Sheepcot River watershed area in Palermo. The Pine Hill subdivision would include 15 buildable lots of varying sizes with each lot required to have separate wells and septic systems.

Serious concerns were raised by abutting neighbors and attendees at the meeting as to whether the location, eco-system, and current town facilities could accommodate the density of this proposed development.

When asked by the planning board as to why he opted to develop this particular property, Boyle replied that it was primarily the location, almost equi-distant between Belfast and Augusta. He will not actually be overseeing or developing individual properties himself.

Boyle said, “There is a dire housing shortage in Maine. This project is in its early planning stages. We have a long way to go, and we’ll work with the planning board.” He stated he will plan for a buffer to protect the stream bordering the property. Boyle cited a recent study to support housing shortage in Maine that stated 84,000 homes will be needed by 2030. (https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2024-02-12/maine-needs-84-000-new-homes-by-2030-this-affordable-housing-project-shows-why-that-will-be-difficult).

Surveying work on the property is being completed by K & K Land Surveying Inc., of Oakland, and soil testing on all lots was conducted by Jamie Marple.

At the planning board meeting, Pam St. Denis expressed concern for the wear and tear on Log Cabin Lane, a boundary road, with the additional traffic. Other concerns brought up by attendees included the need for sufficient allowance in road design to accommodate full-size fire trucks and since proposed lot 5 is in a Limited Residential area it would require residences to be set back from the edge of the wet area at least 75 feet. Planning Board President Dale McKenney and Codes Enforcement Officer Darryl McKenney stressed the importance of requiring a road maintenance agreement to be included in each land owner’s deed to these proposed lots.

In an interview, Amanda Brieger pointed out the housing density of the proposed subdivision goes against the existing Comprehensive Plan and could be too dense to be supported by the water table of the particular location. Section 1.C.1 of the Palermo plan from 2002 states as an objective of the plan “To preserve and enhance the rural character of the community.”

Brieger calculated, “There were 975 housing units and 25,987 acres of land in Palermo, resulting in a housing density of one housing unit per 26 acres. The proposed subdivision is 27 acres with a proposal of 15 housing units, which is a housing density of one housing unit per 1.8 acres, or an increase in housing density of 1,344.00 percent. This hardly seems in line with the objective of preserving and enhancing the rural character of the community.”

Brieger also pointed out that recent home sales along the Hostile Valley Road corridor went to out-of-state buyers. She said, “Building housing along Hostile Valley Road does not ensure Maine residents will purchase the properties. In fact, increasing the housing offering in an area that clearly appeals to out-of-state buyers may very well have the opposite effect and attract more out of state buyers, thereby confounding the current Maine housing crisis.

In questioning whether the ecosystem could sustain the housing density, Brieger said, “There have been multiple wells in the Hostile Valley Road which have recently run dry, causing concern about the water table being able to support an additional 15 household draw on water which is already a scarce resource in the area.”

Hank Holden and his wife have owned property abutting to the site of the proposed subdivision for 25 years and are also highly concerned. Holden worries about losing the character of the wooden location, the stress of the added traffic on Hostile Valley Road and the phosphate runoff into Belden Brook which runs into Sheepscot River.

According to the Maine Rivers website, the Sheepscot River is one of the last remaining rivers with populations of native Atlantic salmon, which are nearly extinct. Ongoing efforts from conservation groups are working toward keeping this region relatively pristine to protect the salmon population that exists.

Holden explains, “There is a ridge of ledge running northeast to southwest through this parcel with a sharper grade running to Belden Brook. There may be serious consequences of potential pollution from runoff and septic discharge into Belden Brook, part of the headwaters of the Sheepscot River.” Holden expressed concern that a former representative who had a strong record for environmental votes would propose a subdivision in a sensitive location.

Holden continued to explain how the locals feel, ” A lot of us moved into this area, and I’ve been here for a quarter of a century, because it was quiet. It was out in the woods, so we can commiserate with nature.”

Hank Holden is actively gathering signatures on a petition against the approval of the proposed Pine Tree subdivision. To participate in the petition, contact Holden at heholden@fairpoint.net.

CHINA: Seeking second access to Thurston Park main topic at committee meeting

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

by Mary Grow

According to the minutes of the Dec. 19, 2024, meeting of China’s Thurston Park Committee, seeking a second access to the park from the south was a main topic of discussion.

Currently, people driving into the almost-400-acre recreation area in northeastern China have access only from Albion on the north, via the discontinued Yorktown Road that runs through the park south to China’s Mann Road. The steep hill, partly in Albion, on the dirt road frequently washes out and needs expensive repairs.

Committee members hope lessening reliance on the north entrance would save money. Park users have asked for better access. And committee members believe a second access is necessary in case of a medical emergency or a fire in the park.

The southern end of Yorktown Road passes close to Maurice “Pete” and Dawn Haskell’s home. Committee members wanted to start by talking with the Haskells; Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood advised them to ask for select board approval first.

Committee members also talked about applying for state funding under the measure Maine voters approved Nov. 5 to improve trails, and discussed where they might want to build new trails. They decided the next trail in the park should be handicapped-accessible, and an accessible toilet should be provided.

Committee members are waiting for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) money to reimburse some of the clean-up costs after last December’s storms. They hope to have money from that source; from China’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) fund; and from their annual town budget request, which they decided to leave at $13,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Depending on funding, they suggested adding a new trail and improving two existing trails for mountain biking. Members of NEMBA (New England Mountain Bike Association) have been to the park and are interested. Committee members also plan to participate in China’s February 2025 Ice Days, as they did in 2024 (though lack of snow ruined some of their plans).

The next Thurston Park Committee meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in the portable building behind the China town office.

CHINA: Thurston Park, emergency medical services select board topics

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by Mary Grow

At their Dec. 20 meeting, China select board members unanimously approved Jeanette Smith’s proposal to have the Thurston Park Committee she chairs reach out to the park’s southern neighbors about opening an access road from that end.

The former Yorktown Road runs from south to north through the almost-400-acre park and into the neighboring town of Albion. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said when voters discontinued the road on March 2, 1956, they reserved a public easement over it, giving the public the legal right to use it and China the legal right to maintain it, assuming voters approve funds.

The north entrance to the park, the only one currently used, is down a steep hill on a dirt road that needs frequent repairs.

Smith explained that two-tenths of a mile on the hill are in Albion. Albion officials are not interested in contributing to maintenance, although, she said, Albion residents use Thurston Park.

The south end of the road serves as the driveway from Mann Road to Maurice “Pete” Haskell’s home, before continuing north past the Haskell property and others into the park.

Committee member Scott Monroe said about 10 years ago, China officials considered road improvements that would create park access from the south. At that time, he said, the Haskells, foreseeing increased traffic past their house, hired a lawyer who threatened court action. Town officials dropped the idea.

Smith would like to try again, this time starting by talking with the Haskells about ways to meet their and the park’s needs, like relocating the right of way farther from their house, or having the south entrance be for walkers only.

Park use is increasing, she said, citing recordings from trail cameras, and users say on surveys they would like a southern entrance.

Select board members discussed options and costs – Smith is investigating possible grants – before giving the committee the go-ahead. Hapgood offered the town office as a meeting place, if desired, and said she would attend if invited.

In other business Dec. 30, recently re-elected State Representative Katrina Smith attended the meeting to ask if anyone wanted to bring a local issue to her attention. As a proponent of local control, she explained, she avoids involving herself in town matters; but she would be glad to hear what issues the legislature might help with.

Select board member Jeanne Marquis and chairman Wayne Chadwick promptly asked about funding for emergency medical services, and what happened with the legislature’s January 2024 Blue Ribbon Commission report. Smith said she is working with other area legislators on the issue.

Hapgood asked Smith to look into changing the county budget process, to avoid surprises like the major increase in the Kennebec County budget in 2024. She invited Smith to report to the select board at intervals during the 2025 legislative session.

On another topic, board member Blane Casey reported eight contracts for different pieces of the planned new records storage vault at the town office had been sent out on Friday, Dec. 27; six had already been returned.

Board members unanimously reappointed Town Clerk Angela Nelson for another two-year term. They appointed resident Kenneth Molfetta a member of the comprehensive plan committee, the recreation committee and the Thurston Park committee.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Jan. 13, 2025.

Vassalboro transfer station task force continues talks at Lombard Road facility

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Transfer Station Taskforce members met Dec. 12 to continue discussion of options for changes at the facility on Lombard Dam Road. (See the Nov. 21 issue of The Town Line, p. 8).

The group began months ago with one main goal: improve safety by eliminating the need for users to back their vehicles to the disposal containers. That safety issue is still vital, taskforce chair (and select board member) Chris French emphasized.

Since discussion began, the town has had an engineer, Jeff Senders (head of Senders science, engineering & construction, of Camden), prepare three possible configurations for a covered, drive-through building that would eliminate backing up except, probably, for commercial haulers.

New station manager, Adam Daoust, has two more goals: improve efficiency and save money. A concept he proposes includes removing the tower and providing two containers, with cover from rain and snow; and allowing two vehicles at a time to dump into the containers, driving by rather than backing up. After the Dec. 11 rainstorm, he emphasized covering all on-site containers, so voters do not pay to truck water to disposal sites.

Taskforce member Amy Davidoff added a third goal: more recycling. Vassalboro now recycles metals and cardboard; Davidoff would like flexibility to add more materials as markets change.

Shannon Conti, an environmental specialist with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, attended the Dec. 12 meeting. She said any of Senders’ plans appears doable.

Vassalboro has foreclosed on an adjoining property, about five acres with buildings, for unpaid taxes. State law requires the town to sell the property, keep what is owed in taxes and any other charges and give the rest of the proceeds to the prior owners or heirs.

Town officials’ current plan is to sell the house and garage with a minimum lot and keep the rest of the land, perhaps for future transfer station expansion.

Conti provided information on actions that might or might not require DEP pre-approval, and on how to find permit application requirements.

Taskforce members were surprised when Conti said if the town keeps foreclosed land, clears or otherwise changes it, and only afterward makes it part of an expanded transfer station, her division does not care how it is changed. If, however, town officials designate an area for transfer station expansion, they will need a DEP permit to make changes to it.

Daoust would also like to add scales and pave more of the grounds. A new backhoe would be very useful, he added.

French called for taskforce members to reach consensus at their Jan. 9 meeting, to be held in the town office building at 5:15 p.m., before that evening’s select board meeting. Town Manager Aaron Miller summarized their options: do nothing; recommend building Senders’ covered drive-through building; recommend accepting Daoust’s less extensive reconfiguration; or recommend adopting a temporary improvement plan.

Vassalboro conservation committee focuses on town parks

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Vassalboro’s Civil War monument located at the East Vassalboro boat landing. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Conservation Commission members devoted most of their Dec. 18 meeting to updates on two town parks, Monument Park, at the outlet of China Lake in East Vassalboro, and Eagle Park, on Outlet Stream, a short distance north.

At Monument Park, they are working with Jen Jespersen, of the Manchester-based consulting firm Ecological Instincts, on projects to improve China Lake water quality.

Commission member Matthew Pitcher said he met with Jespersen earlier this fall to assess the park’s shoreline buffer. They found no erosion problems, making any changes low priority. But, commission member Peggy Horner said, the buffer should be widened to at least 10 feet.

Commission members decided any new plantings should be low-growing, not bushes that would get tall enough to block the view of China Lake. They plan to use native plants as much as possible, without being totally rigid.

Horner and commission chairman Holly Weidner defined the goal of the plantings as three-fold: erosion control, education (by providing a demonstration lakeside garden) and landscaping the park.

Next steps include deciding on specific plants and developing cost estimates for initial plantings and maintenance.

Commission members reviewed Jespersen’s report on the China Region Lakes Alliance’s 2024 Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program, which stations people at boat landings on China Lake, Three Mile Pond and Webber Pond to look for fragments of invasive plants on boats being launched into the lakes.

No invasives were found. Weidner credited the good record at least partly to the educational effect of the CBI program.

Horner, playing, she said, devil’s advocate, asked whether Vassalboro taxpayers need to continue to support boat inspections, if no invasive plants are detected. Jespersen’s report said the program cost $23,148 in 2024; Weidner found Vassalboro voters appropriated $10,584 as the town’s share.

That amount is a fraction of what it would cost to remove invasive weeds if they were imported, Weidner said. Horner added that a weed-free lake helps keep property values up.

Current Eagle Park issues discussed briefly include the park sign, fencing, handicapped access and the planned pavilion. Weidner said the pavilion’s cement base is done, and she hopes structural work will start early in 2025.

The Vassalboro Public Works Department has been very helpful. Commission members expect to continue to work with new director Brian Lajoie.

Commission member Steve Jones asked whether the public works crew could plow the parking lot for the town forest trail, which begins north of the recreation fields and close enough to the public works garage so that winter trail users park in the public works driveway. Someone from the commission will ask Lajoie.

Commission members briefly reviewed their cooperative arrangement with the Vassalboro Cemetery Committee regarding tree-cutting in town cemeteries. The program Town Manager Aaron Miller presented in October includes:

— Develop a cemetery maintenance plan and an annual budget;
— Each summer, have an arborist and the sexton evaluate trees and recommend any that need to be cut to avoid damaging stones or fences, within budgetary limits;
— Explain to interested committees and residents the recommendations and reasons; and
— Have the cutting done annually after the ground is frozen.

Conservation Commission members scheduled their next meeting for Wednesday evening, Jan. 8, 2025.

Vassalboro select board approves junkyard permits; names Lajoie public works chief

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by Mary Grow

The Dec. 26 Vassalboro select board meeting began with a public hearing on five applications to renew junkyard licenses. Unusually, the hearing drew comments from the audience.

Bill Pullen, owner of a South Stanley Hill Road junkyard, questioned a $10 hearing fee that he said was a new addition to the usual $50 license fee. Town Manager Aaron Miller and select board members said they will consult codes officer Eric Currie.

Audience member Douglas Phillips asked if there were more than five junkyards in town. Pullen thinks there are; Miller said any that were not on the Dec. 26 list could be considered at a later meeting.

Miller said Currie recommended approval of all applications. Select board members unanimously approved 2025 renewals for Pullen; Voit Ritch, on Route 3; Platinum and Core, LLC, on Riverside Drive; Ron’s Parts, on Main Street; and Garnett Motors, on Route 3.

Board members appointed Brian Lajoie, new Director of Public Works, as Vassalboro’s Road Commissioner.

They asked Miller to apply to the Vassalboro School Board for permission to vote at Vassalboro Community School three times in 2025, twice in June (for the open town meeting and local elections) and once in November. November 2024 voting was at the school, instead of the town office; board members want to continue in the larger space.

Miller updated board members on incorporating voting for Vassalboro Sanitary District trustees into municipal voting. Only people living in the area VSD serves will vote for the trustees.

Pullen said he owns a garage and a rental property that VSD serves, but he does not live in its territory; he was surprised that not all bill-payers are also voters. Board chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., said that voters do not act on rates; they only choose trustees.

Trustees must be residents of the VSD service area. Miller said nomination papers will be available Feb. 27; he hopes for candidates.

After 20 minutes’ discussion of transfer station manager Adam Daoust’s proposed fee increases, board members decided to seek more information on disposal costs before acting.

Daoust said for some items, like mattresses and furniture, Vassalboro’s fees are the lowest in this part of Maine, leading out-of-towners to try to dump things in Vassalboro, although the transfer station is for town residents only.

“Unfortunately, people lie,” Daoust said.

Returning to plans to have the town-owned Vassalboro Historical Society building painted, discussed Dec. 12 (see the Dec. 19 issue of The Town Line, p. 3), Miller said he received one written proposal. In return for a prompt 25 percent down payment, Miller said, the contractor will schedule work for July or August 2025. Select board member Chris French wanted to see a draft contract.

Phillips said no one seemed to know when the building was last painted. He thought a dozen or so years ago Historical Society volunteers “touched up” three sides.

Also revisited was the application for a handicapped parking space at Hair Builders, on Oak Grove Road, in North Vassalboro. One concern at the Dec. 12 meeting was keeping non-handicapped people from using it; Miller said Vassalboro Police Chief Mark Brown told him all law enforcement officers, not just municipal, can enforce the regulation.

French proposed an annual license, in case the business closes. Denico suggested a one-year trial followed by longer extensions. Miller will consult the town attorney.

The board must hold a public hearing before acting on the request. The hearing will not be at the Jan. 9 meeting.

Board members resumed discussion of Vassalboro’s personnel policy, and will continue again on Jan. 9. Board member Michael Poulin intends to have his suggestions for updating Vassalboro’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan ready by that meeting.

French said a resident asked how Miller chooses documents to put on the website with each select board agenda. Miller said he reproduces information sent to board members, omitting things that shouldn’t be public knowledge, like unaccepted bids.

Vassalboro board gets update on student staff wellness team

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

The Vassalboro School Board’s Dec. 10 meeting featured a virtual presentation by two of the three members of the student and staff wellness team at Vassalboro Community School (VCS).

Counselors Gina Davis and Jamie Routhier explained what they and social worker Megan Simmons do, working with students and their families, other staff members and outside groups. They praised the Colby Cares program, which lets Colby students act as mentors to VCS students, and the cooperation with Mid-Maine Technical Center.

Jamie called the threesome “an amazing team,” and VCS Principal Ira Michaud added, “We couldn’t get by without them.”

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer shared a multi-subject report, beginning with the welcome news that the Maine Department of Transportation has put up proper signage for the school zone. Vassalboro Police Chief Mark Brown is aware of the posted speed limits, Pfeiffer added.

The superintendent described social media as “the biggest social experiment ever,” without guardrails. He urged everyone listening to watch a 90-minute Netflix documentary called The Social Dilemma. It features people who created the various social media platforms warning of the consequences of their inventions, he said.

Board members approved the superintendent’s recommendation for a wage increase for substitute workers in three categories, to bring them to the legal state minimum. Pfeiffer said there might be additional recommended changes after contracts are renegotiated for other personnel.

Pfeiffer, speaking for finance director Paula Pooler, reported that the 2024-25 budget remains on track. He expects the state to set the high-school tuition rate in the next couple weeks, and tuition bills to start arriving soon afterwards.

Board members had planned a workshop session before the Dec. 10 meeting on proposed improvements to the VCS building, with Thomas Seekins, co-president of Portland-based Energy Manage­ment Consultants, Inc. (EMC). The workshop was postponed due to weather. It is now scheduled for 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, before the next board meeting.

Pfeiffer will invite Vassalboro Budget Committee members to hear Seekins’ Jan. 14 presentation. Interested community members are welcome to attend.

Vassalboro select board undertakes several ongoing issues

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members discussed many ongoing issues at their Dec. 12 meeting, and settled five.

— They appointed public works department employee Brian Lajoie as the new department director, succeeding Eugene Field, who has retired.
— Vassalboro First Responders Assistant Chief Josi Haskell reported the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation gave the unit a $25,000 grant, subject to select board acceptance, to buy a Lucas device. This is a mechanical chest compression (CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation) machine for patients in cardiac arrest.

Board members were not sure the First Responders needed their approval, but in case, they gladly voted to accept the grant. Haskell expects the Lucas device to arrive in six to eight weeks. First Responders will be trained to use it, she said.

— At the Nov. 13 select board meeting, Town Manager Aaron Miller recommended switching the bulk of the town’s funds to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (see the Nov. 21 issue of The Town Line, p. 3). Board member Chris French asked for more choices to consider, and the board postponed a decision.

Miller reported after reaching out to other banks, he still recommended Bar Harbor. Board members approved unanimously.

— Jody Kundreskas, for the Vassalboro Cemetery Committee, asked approval to waive the town’s procurement policy so the committee can again have the services of an expert stone restorer, Joseph Ferrannini, from the Maine Old Cemetery Association. Select board members approved by consensus.
— Board members unanimously chose Brandon Olsen, from Friendship, Maine, for a five-year contract to harvest alewives in Vassalboro, on Miller’s recommendation.

In other business, Douglas Phillips told board members the former East Vassalboro schoolhouse, now the historical society museum and headquarters, needs external repainting. Capital improvements for the town-owned building are the town’s responsibility.

Timing is a problem, Phillips said: if funds aren’t available until after voters act at the annual town meeting in June, area painters’ 2025 schedules will undoubtedly be filled, and the work won’t get done until 2026.

Phillips had obtained two proposals, in the $15,000 to $17,000 range. Board members considered what existing funds might be applied. Phillips suggested requesting proposals soon, with the understanding having the work done would depend on June funding.

No decisions were made. French commented that the town has not set aside money to maintain infrastructure.

Board members returned to another topic briefly discussed at their Nov. 13 meeting, the request for a designated handicapped parking space at Hair Builders, at 653 Oak Grove Road in North Vassalboro.

Becky Morse, speaking for owner Beth Morse (no relation, she said) explained that many customers are older or handicapped, making parking across the street difficult and unsafe. Board members and Miller were sympathetic, but could not act Dec. 12 because, Miller said, Vassalboro’s parking ordinance requires public notice and a public hearing.

Board chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., asked how the town would enforce the ordinance, with Police Chief Mark Brown working only part-time. Morse did not expect problems.

Board members plan to discuss the issue again at their Dec. 26 meeting, and if they decide to proceed, to schedule a public hearing for Jan. 9, 2025.

Another question postponed Nov. 13, and postponed again Dec. 12, was continuing to hold elections at Vassalboro Community School, instead of at the town office. Board members plan to talk with school officials and to consider the question again in January 2025.

Decisions about propane tanks at the town office and the Riverside fire station – how large, whether to lease or buy – were again postponed for more information.

On the board’s Jan. 23 agenda will be plans for integrating voting for Vassalboro Sanitary District trustees with voting for other town officials, with the difference that only voters in the area VSD serves can choose trustees. Miller had asked the VSD’s attorney for advice; French advised consulting the town’s attorney; Denico recommended asking Town Clerk Cathy Coyne how VSD voting was handled by the town up to a few years ago.

As the Dec. 12 meeting ended, Miller announced that that the Vassalboro town office will close at noon Tuesday, Dec. 24, for the annual staff Christmas party.

Transfer station committee tackles two unusually argumentative discussions

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by Mary Grow

The Dec. 10 China Transfer Station Committee included two unusually argumentative discussions.

The first was on recycling, sparked by station manager Thomas Maraggio’s report that China’s new plastics baler should arrive in a couple months. The baler will let the transfer station accept No. 1 plastic for recycling; it will be baled and stored until a load is ready to be shipped out.

New committee member Lee Buzzell asked whether China is doing too much recycling, at taxpayers’ expense.

The baler was paid for by a grant. But, Buzzell pointed out, using it will cost man-hours and will add to the electric bill. He questioned whether income from the plastic would cover costs.

Maraggio said in addition to income from recyclables, which varies widely with the markets, China saves the cost of the disposal fees that are paid for solid waste.

The second point Buzzell raised was whether the committee should discuss changing transfer station hours. He and some of his friends have work schedules that make it impossible for them to use the facility, he said.

The station is currently open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Maraggio said the hours have been in effect for over two years, based on an analysis of busiest and least busy times.

Three reminders from China transfer station and town office staff

1) China residents’ 2025 transfer station stickers are available at the transfer station and the town office, for $2. Issuers need to see the registration for the vehicle for which the sticker is issued; town office staff can look it up in their records, transfer station staff cannot.

2) China residents are allowed two buckets of winter sand at a time from the new sand shed near the transfer station gate. Volunteers will deliver sand to residents unable to get their own; those needing this service should call the town office at 445-2014.

3) Beginning not too far into 2025, the transfer station will be able to accept No. 1 plastic for recycling. Currently, No. 2 and No. 5 plastic are accepted. These items must be empty and clean, but do not need to be crushed.

Buzzell suggested trying staying open until 8 p.m. one weeknight, or being open both weekend days. From the audience, select board chairman Wayne Chadwick added extending Saturday hours until 5 p.m.

After a discussion of pros and cons, committee chairman J. Christopher Baumann postponed further discussion to the next meeting, urging members to seek more information to support opinions and minimize unanticipated consequences.

The transfer station committee is advisory; it is empowered to make recommendations, which the China select board can accept, modify or reject. Baumann said its main purpose is to improve the experience at the transfer station, for residents and staff.

China local resident expands on community garden plans

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by Mary Grow

China select board members heard two presentations at their Dec. 16 meeting. Resident James Hsiang expanded on the plan for a community garden that he presented in November; and Dr. Timothy Pieh, of Rome, Maine, and MaineGeneral Medical Center, summarized the first year of Kennebec County’s MD3 program.

Hsiang proposed locating the garden on the town-owned lot south of the town office complex on Lakeview Drive (see the Nov. 21 issue of The Town Line, p. 2).

He presented a $5,600 budget, which does not include a connection to the well on the southern property. The budget includes no money for labor, he pointed out: work will be done entirely by volunteers.

Hsiang listed several possible funding sources for materials, including grants, donations from local businesses and individuals and China’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) fund. Already, he said, the project has volunteers, donations, a discount offer from a town business and 32 people who have signed up for space to raise gardens.

Select board members voted unanimously to approve the idea of the community garden, pending financing.

Pieh explained that the MD3 program provides physicians on call to respond to emergencies, arriving in a vehicle full of medical equipment – “bringing the ER [emergency room] to you.” Having a physician on scene with, or occasionally before, local rescue units or ambulances improves patient outcomes, he said, citing both local statistics and medical reports.

Starting with four doctors, MD3 has eight as it ends its first year of operation this month. They are on call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., hours chosen based on 2018 state-wide 911 call data.

During the year, they have responded in 29 municipalities, including five outside Kennebec County. Augusta had the most calls, 33; Waterville was second, with 25; China was third, with 18. The types of emergencies varied widely – heart attacks, accidents (mostly but not all vehicle), gunshot wounds, seizures and three described as “pregnancy emergency.”

The program includes teaching. Pieh is pleased that EM3 reached 748 students, in places as varied as Mid-Maine Technical Center, Delta Ambulance and local fire departments.

MD3 costs about $350,000 a year, Pieh said. For 2024, funding came from Kennebec County’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) account, which will not be available for 2025.

Pieh estimated the average annual cost per county resident at four to five dollars, though in Rome, he said, it is about eight dollars per person.

He hopes China select board members will consider MD3 valuable and will ask the county budget committee to recommend funding it in 2025. Meanwhile, he is seeking other funding sources; he has received small grants, and tentatively a significant one, already.

Town office holiday hours

China town departments’ holiday schedule is as follows:

— Tuesday, Dec. 24, closing at noon; closed all day Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Dec. 26.

— Tuesday, Dec. 31, closing at 2 p.m.; closed all day Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

The only reaction Dec. 16 came from China board chairman Wayne Chadwick, who disapproves of programs that start with ARPA or other non-taxpayer money and fall onto taxpayers.

“I like what you’re doing, but I don’t like that it was started with an ARPA grant,” Chadwick told Pieh.

In other business Dec. 16, board member Blane Casey reported on the process of seeking prices for building the new storage vault at the town office. Select board members authorized Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood to sign contracts once she, Casey, and Municipal Building Committee chairman Sheldon Goodine choose contractors.

Ronald Morrell, chairman of China’s Emergency Preparedness Committee, said the committee plans to begin meeting again early in 2025 to make sure China’s emergency plan is up to date.

Hapgood reminded everyone that nominations for Spirit of America awards recognizing local volunteers are due. Nomination forms are available on the town website, chinamaine.org, on the town manager’s page, which is under Administration under Departments.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30.