VASSALBORO: Revised plan for safer transfer station facilities expected

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by Mary Grow

At their March 20 meeting, Vassalboro transfer station task force members decided on new instructions for engineer Jeff Senders that they expect will give them a revised plan for a safer facility.

The group, with select board members and transfer station staff, have talked for several years about redesigning the Lombard Dam Road facility to eliminate the need for residents to back up to a hopper to dispose of trash.

An earlier design that included a drive-through building has been replaced by a simpler idea, providing covered hoppers that residents can drive alongside. Other proposed improvements include covering all waste containers against rain and snow; minimizing two-way traffic; and, if station manager Adam Daoust has his preference, putting cement pads as bases wherever any form of disposables is stored.

Daoust and task force members discussed installing scales, to weigh things like demolition debris. Currently, according to the town website, disposal of demolition debris requires a demolition permit from the transfer station, with fees based on volume.

Earlier recommended improvements were designed by Waterville-based A. E. Hodsdon engineers. In November 2023, Vassalboro select board members sought bids to build a 60-by-80-foot Hodsdon-designed metal building at the transfer station.

Receiving only one bid, from SENDERS science, engineering and construction in Camden, they postponed action. Company head Jeff Sanders visited the facility in January 2024; at a Jan. 25 meeting, select board members contracted with the company to redesign the facility, help seek grants to fund the work and get required permits.

By November 2024, Senders had submitted three versions of a plan, each with a roofed, open-ended drive-through area and separate entrances from and exits onto Lombard Dam Road. New station manager Adam Daoust told select board members at a Nov. 13 meeting the plan seemed overly complicated; he recommended adding covers over two hoppers and leaving the two-way driveway.

Meanwhile, the town had foreclosed on a property adjoining the transfer station on the east, opening the possibility of buying land for a future expansion. This possibility is complicated by a woods road running off Lombard Dam Road, which may or may not have a legal right-of-way, and by wetlands and a small stream on the property.

Town Manager Aaron Miller has had the adjacent property surveyed. At the March 20 task force meeting he said he had hired an appraiser to value it.

Under current state law on foreclosed properties, the town is allowed to recoup all costs associated with the property before paying the heirs what is left of the appraised value – or, perhaps, buying some land from them.

Before the meeting, task force member Douglas Phillips had visited China’s transfer station. He approved of the small drive-by bins provided for residents with only a few bags of trash and recommended Vassalboro find space for similar bins, if emptying them frequently will not be too much extra work for Daoust and his assistant.

Phillips said China staff use a forklift to empty the bins; the Vassalboro facility doesn’t have one. No one knew whether all available types of small bins require a forklift.

Task force members and Daoust came up with a list of what they want Senders to include in a revised plan. They asked for three options, as with the previous Senders plan.

The next task force meeting will be scheduled after Miller finds out how much time Senders needs to provide the requested plans.

Update on plans for improving water quality on Webber Pond

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Webber Pond.

Watershed survey planned for May 15 – 17

submitted by Susan Traylor
Webber Pond Association, Chairman of the Water Quality Committee

Given worsening water quality in recent years that has resulted in nuisance algal blooms (including harmful cyanobacteria), in 2024 a group of local community volunteers sought and obtained state and federal grants, along with support from the towns of Vassalboro and Windsor, the China Region Lakes Alliance, the Sage Foundation, and Lake Stewards of Maine/Maine Lakes to develop an updated Watershed Based Management Plan (WBMP) for Webber, Three mile and Three cornered ponds. This “Tri-WBMP” will include a 10-year “Action Plan” to help restore water quality in all three ponds.

A WBMP is an important planning tool for restoring water quality in lakes that don’t meet state/federal water quality standards. Webber Pond and Threemile Pond are listed as “impaired lakes” because they don’t meet state standards, while upstream Threecornered Pond is listed as “threatened” based on available water quality data. The previous WBMP for these interconnected ponds expired in 2015. We need an updated WBMP to request state and federal funding for restoration efforts. Water and sediment sampling and analysis are underway to update our understanding of the cause of the recent water quality declines, and to assist with developing science-based recommendations to restore (Webber and Three mile) and to protect (Three cornered) water quality.

In addition to sampling, a watershed survey will be completed this spring on all 3 ponds to identify areas where polluted stormwater runoff (primarily soil erosion) is resulting in excess phosphorus in the ponds. Excess phosphorus is the primary cause for severe algae and cyanobacteria blooms.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the watershed survey planned for May 15-17, 2025. We will be providing more information for potential volunteers in the next couple of weeks. The survey is non-regulatory and participation is voluntary. Landowners do not need to be present for the survey, but they are welcome to participate and ask questions.

With the help of a team of experts, the data collected will be analyzed and used to develop a list of recommendations and estimated costs for improving water quality over the next 10 years. The Tri-WBMP should be completed by late 2026/early 2027. Approval of the plan will allow local project partners to seek additional state and federal funding to implement recommendations. The ultimate goal is to improve water quality, prevent toxic algae blooms and enhance recreational use of the ponds, with benefits to property values and the local economy.

Erosion control discussed by conservation commission

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Janice Clowes, president of the Vassalboro Historical Society, captured the silhouette of the monument in the park, next to the historical society building.

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Conservation Commission members continued discussion of plantings in Monument Park, in East Vassalboro, at their Feb. 12 meeting. As at previous meetings in December 2024 and January 2025, they came to no decision (see the Jan. 2 issue of The Town Line, p. 2, and the Jan. 16 issue, p. 3).

Their goals are to improve erosion control along China Lake and Outlet Stream, while preserving views of the lake, and to create a demonstration erosion control garden. Issues are what to plant, where to plant and how to pay for plantings and maintenance.

They decided they should visit the area before making a decision, and scheduled a meeting there at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 25.

Another ongoing discussion was about trees in China cemeteries, a topic that requires cooperation with the town’s cemetery committee. Commission Chairman Holly Weidner plans to confirm with Town Manager Aaron Miller that the plan he proposed last fall remains in effect.

In new business Feb. 12, Weidner reported briefly on meetings she attended about the TriWatershed Management Plan, which includes Webber Pond, Three Mile Pond and Three Cornered Pond; and about China Region Lakes Alliance plans.

CRLA is currently without an executive director. Weidner said board members are interviewing candidates to oversee the summer 2025 Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program, intended to protect regional lakes from invasive species.

Weidner proposed Conservation Commission members review the town ordinance that established the commission and defined its duties, to make sure the document is up to date and to consider how well they are implementing it.

The commission is allowed to have seven members; it now has six, Weidner observed.

The next Vassalboro Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening, April 9.

Vassalboro select board looks at budget version five; ready for presentation

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members spent their March 13 meeting going over two familiar documents, the draft 2025-26 budget (now in version number five) and the personnel policy they have been discussing at intervals since the end of May 2024.

They made progress on both.

After more than an hour’s review, they decided the budget is ready to be presented to the budget committee, in advance of a discussion between the two boards scheduled for Tuesday evening, March 18.

The personnel policy took another three-quarters of an hour. Board members asked Town Manager Aaron Miller to distribute the revised version so they can consider it individually.

Community Program Director resigns

by Mary Grow

Karen Stankis has resigned as Vassalboro’s Community Program Director, effective March 20.

Vassalboro voters approved funding for the new position at their spring 2022 town meeting, effective July 1. Stankis has been director since August 1, 2022, adding a variety of activities in addition to the youth sports that predated her position.

The main reason she resigned, Stankis said, is that although she knew the job was part-time when she was hired, she has learned that 30 hours a week is not enough time to develop and manage a complete parks and recreation department, supplementing youth sports with varied programs for all ages.

She thanked many people who have helped expand town recreational activities, including participants, youth recreation sports directors and other leaders and sponsors.

“I hope the town will continue to fund the position,” she said. “Recreation offers much more to a town than youth sports.”

Miller said since the March 6 budget discussion (see the March 13 issue of The Town Line, p. 2) he has learned that Vassalboro’s fuel oil dealer is likely to abide by the 2025-26 contract price and add a surcharge when justified by tariffs.

The longest March 13 discussion was over the recreation budget, including board member Chris French’s proposal to have a recreation director paid for 40 hours a week and expected to spend 10 hours in the town office, filling in as needed over lunch hours and when a regular staff member is absent.

Miller said current staff members are doubtful, mostly because they believe the need is for another bookkeeper, not for general office help.

He and board member Michael Poulin recommended discussions of the recreation program with the budget committee and the recreation committee. Other suggestions included a survey of residents and/or discussion at the June 2 town meeting.

The next regular Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 20. A transfer station task force meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m., that day.

Vassalboro school board honors girls basketball team

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Vassalboro Community School girls basketball team, 2025 Sheepscot Valley Athletic Conference, undefeated champions. (The Town Line file photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members began their March 11 meeting by recognizing the Vassalboro Community School girls’ basketball team, who won the 2025 Sheepscot Valley Athletic Conference championship with a 12-0 record. (See the photo on p. 8 of the March 13 issue of The Town Line.)

“From worst to first,” Coach David Trask summarized: last year, he said, the team didn’t win a single game, though they steadily improved. He said the junior varsity girls also had an undefeated season this year.

Trask and Athletic Director Traci Tibbetts both coach basketball, but Trask said because Tibbetts has many other duties, he has worked with the teams. He praised them as a “great group of girls” supported by “fantastic parents.”

At the end of the meeting, board members recognized two other students: eighth-graders Savannah Judkins and Agatha Meyer were waiting to learn on March 14 whether their applications to the Maine School of Mathematics and Science (MSSM) had been accepted.

On March 14, both girls learned they have been accepted at the specialty school, in Limestone, Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer reported.

At the school board meeting, the girls’ parents and board members discussed whether Vassalboro taxpayers can be asked to help cover room and board expenses at MSSM, as part of the school budget. Pfeiffer explained that the State of Maine pays tuition there; Vassalboro gets no subsidy or reimbursement. Neither the state nor the town covers room and board, which people said costs close to $11,000 a year.

Pfeiffer pointed out that if the students attended Erskine Academy instead, the tuition – paid by the town, mostly reimbursed by the state – would be more than that.

School board members decided they should develop a policy. Needing time to consider it, they postponed a decision to their April meeting.

Board member Zachary Smith, whose son Judson is in his first year at MSSM, said MSSM’s financial aid information comes out in June and families’ payments are due beginning in July.

In other business March 11, board members reviewed the first draft of the 2025-26 school calendar. Pfeiffer explained that every year, state education officials send a suggested schedule; he coordinates with Waterville and Winslow, since they and Vassalboro share many administrators; and the school board tweaks the final version to meet specific Vassalboro needs.

One outstanding question is whether November 2025 voting will be held at Vassalboro Community School, and if it is, how to compensate for missing a day of classes.

After another brief discussion of school board members’ stipends, board members voted unanimously not to recommend an increase this year.

Each Vassalboro board member currently receives $400 a year, a figure Board Chairman Jolene Gamage said has not changed for more than a decade. Gamage’s figures showed Vassalboro select board members receive $2,580 a year with an additional $500 for the chairman. Waterville and Winslow school board members’ per-meeting stipends add up to well over $400 annually.

Pfeiffer reported with pleasure that Vassalboro has hired a new bus driver. Board members confirmed her appointment.

The next regular Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 8. Before then, board members have 2025-26 budget discussions scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 26; but Pfeiffer said if he does not receive information on 2025-26 insurance costs in time, the meeting could be postponed.

China budget committee makes recommendations on ‘25-’26 budget

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by Mary Grow

Five of China’s seven budget committee members met March 17 to make their recommendations on the select board’s draft 2025-26 budget.

They recommended cuts affecting several accounts, and two increases.

The major change budget committee members want is in town employees’ salaries. Select board members, at their March 10 meeting, accepted Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood’s proposed 3.5 percent cost of living increase (see the March 13 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).

Budget committee members recommended a 2.5 percent pay increase for next year. Michael Sullivan proposed a reduction, saying that with the 3.5 percent increase, employees would have gained 20 percent over four years, double the rate of increase in the previous four years.

Kevin Maroon took up the argument, asking the source of the 3.5 percent cost of living increase, on which the recommended pay was based.

The vote to recommend the lower raises was unanimous.

This change affected all accounts that include employee salaries and benefits. Hapgood proposed the budget committee not act on the draft warrant for the June 10 annual town business meeting until she has time to calculate revised figures.

Select board members will decide at their March 24 meeting whether to accept the budget committee’s recommendations. Voters make the final spending decisions at the town meeting.

Budget committee members also recommended deleting a proposed $500 donation to Northern Light Home Care and Hospice, because with Inland Hospital closing in June, no one knew whether the hospice would continue.

Sullivan’s motion to eliminate funding for China’s broadband committee was defeated, supported by himself and Maroon and opposed by Chairman Brent Chesley, Tim Basham and Taryn Hotham. Sullivan also proposed cutting the 2025-26 recreation committee budget, but did not persist after Chesley pointed out it is already $10,900, or about 25 percent, lower than this year.

One increase the budget committee recommended was in the PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) line in the transfer station account. This money funds state-required PFAS remediation. Hapgood said she had just learned one system needs a new pump, expected to cost about $950.

Budget committee members unanimously recommended an additional $1,000, for a total of $6,400.

Maroon proposed the second recommended addition, to the social services account. He moved to put back the $500 donation to the American Red Cross that the select board deleted, at Thomas Rumpf’s request, on March 10.

Maroon, who is a China Village volunteer fire department member, praised the Red Cross for their prompt help to disaster victims, for example when a family’s home burns. He listed other services, including blood drives and safety and life-saving courses.

Basham and Hotham voted with him to reinstate the $500; Chesley and Sullivan were opposed. Chesley later voted against the entire account, because he thinks residents should make their individual choices of organizations and agencies to support.

Chesley, a former select board member, addressed two recommendations to current board members (three of whom were in the March 17 audience). He advised them to investigate health insurance options to seek a less expensive plan for employees; and he recommended paying employees for unused vacation time at the end of each fiscal year, so funding liability would not accumulate.

After select board members review the budget committee recommendations, the latter group needs to meet again to review the town meeting warrant. That meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 2.

The draft warrant Hapgood prepared for the budget committee meeting did not include the China Village volunteer fire department’s request for a new fire truck. Maroon urged adding the article, summarizing the need to replace an old, unreliable vehicle with an efficient new one.

He reminded those present that the department first asked for funds two years ago, when the truck would have cost substantially less than it will now.

Palermo rep suggests PAYT at China transfer station

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by Mary Grow

At the March 11 China Transfer Station Committee meeting, member Bob Kurek shared his calculation of the economic benefit of charging all users a per-bag fee to dispose of trash at the China facility.

Palermo users currently buy colored bags for their trash. China residents do not, since their taxes support the facility along with other town services.

Kurek calculated that adding pay per bag (PPB) for China users would generate enough additional revenue to make the transfer station self-supporting, assuming Palermo continues to contribute.

PPB is also fair, he and station manager Thomas Maraggio said; those who use the facility the most pay the most. Maraggio said PPB would make attendants’ work easier, since all trash would be bagged.

Town Clerk Angela Nelson found on the cover of China’s 2014-15 town report, published in June 2016, a caption: “The year of the great PAYT [Pay As You Throw] debate.” She quoted a comment on p. 57 that said, “As of this writing February 6, 2016, the Select Board has rescinded their earlier action to initiate a Pay Per Throw Program to a time uncertain in the future.”

Committee member Lee Buzzell said one effect of PPB would probably be more residents switching to dumpsters. Chairman J. Chrisopher Bauman asked members to consider other unintended consequences, and asked Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood to calculate the effect on taxes.

Maraggio had compiled recycling statistics for China: the recycling rate is just over 25 percent if demolition debris is not counted, just over 20 percent if it is. The state average is around 30 percent, he said; the state goal is 50 percent.

The list of recyclables on the China website includes plastics, metal and aluminum cans, glass, newspapers and magazines, and corrugated cardboard. Maraggio said collection of newly-added #1 plastic is going well. He would especially like to see more composting of food wastes.

Committee members scheduled their next meeting for 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 8.

Palermo residents cite opposition to Pine Hill Subdivision

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Select board approves project

by Jonathan Strieff

More than two dozen residents attended the Palermo Planning Board meeting on Thursday, March 13, to voice concerns and raise questions during the preliminary hearing to approve a proposed 12-unit subdivision on Hostile Valley Road. Many of those present spoke to potential impacts to the local ecology and environment, traffic and public infrastructure, and other anticipated consequences from increased population density. The five member planning board recorded input from community members, as well as developer, James Boyle, for over two hours before voting unanimously to approve the preliminary application as complete, moving the proposal forward to a public hearing at a future date.

In November 2024, Gorham based developer, James Boyle purchased 27 acres, in Palermo, between Log Cabin Lane and Belden Pond. He promptly began the application process to subdivide the parcel into 15 house lots ranging in size between one and four acres, including the development of a 50-foot wide private road.

In the intervening months, Boyle has worked with K and K Land Surveyors, based in Oakland, to finalize his proposed development plan to meet the preliminary application requirements of the planning board, including mapping protected wetlands and slopes unsuitable for building on, identifying at least 10 percent of the total acreage to be preserved as open space for recreation, and designating a 75-foot protected buffer area along Belden Pond Brook.

The submitted proposal reduced the number of house lots from 15 to 12 and significantly shortened the length of the proposed Pine Hill Road. Boyle intends to sell the lots individually, rather than developing the entire housing division himself, but specified that including deed restrictions and the creation of a Road Association or Home Owners Association within the subdivision would ensure the common maintenance and upkeep of the shared assets, the private road and the preserved recreation land.

Several abutting land owners present addressed their wide ranging concerns both to the planning board members, and to Boyle directly. Four community members read prepared statements focusing on the potential impacts of the development to the health of the ecology and wildlife of the surrounding area, road repair and travel safety related to increased traffic, and impacts to other social and cultural aspects of the town, like the school system. One resident, Henry Holden, presented the planning board with a petition of 100 names signed in opposition to the planned development as currently proposed.

One common refrain spoke to concerns about changing the “rural character,” of the town. One attendee noted that 12 new homes on a 27 acre parcel would be a 1000 percent increase in population density compared with the current average in Palermo. Another worried that, with no plan to restrict development to single family homes, the lenient zoning ordinances in Palermo could potentially allow the 12 lots to be built up into a mix of up to 27 single family and multifamily units, even more with the allowance of Auxiliary Dwelling Units. Board Chairman, Janelle Tirrell, commented that, while preserving and protecting the rural character of Palermo is enshrined in the towns Comprehensive Plan, rural is in the eye of the beholder, and not necessarily determined by lot size. Boyle responded by citing another section of the Comprehensive Plan, which identified the need for at least 70 new housing units to be built in Palermo by 2040 to keep up with demographic changes. He pointed out that “relying of market forces and natural housing stock,” as recommended in the previous Comprehensive Plan from the 1990s, has seen median house prices in Palermo double in recent years, from $165,000 to $323,000.

Another neighbor, Pamela Paige, spoke extensively about the potential negative impacts the proposed development could have on the environment, specifically the Sheepscott Lake Watershed. The development site sits squarely within the watershed and the activities of clearing the land and building the structures could inevitably introduce nonpoint sources pollution into Sheepscott Lake and River by way of Belden Brook and disturb the natural ecosystem for wildlife present. Sheepscott Lake supports populations of lake trout and landlocked salmon and Sheepscott River is one of only seven rivers in the country to maintain a wild Atlantic salmon run. “As habitat blocks shrink and are fragmented,” Paige said, “entire wildlife species are driven away.”

Chanel Cyr also spoke to impacts to the watershed, but in the context of the recent phenomenon of many area wells running dry. The climate trends in Maine towards hotter temperatures and less annual precipitation has had a detrimental effect on groundwater levels. An additional 12 households drawing water from the same source would only make the problem worse.

Finally, resident Loraine Eliot spoke to the unsafe conditions and unreasonable congestion that could be brought to Hostile Valley Road with the Pine Hill Development. Running through the numbers, Eliot made the case that 12 new lots could easily result in 72 new driving adults traveling on the road, potentially hundreds during holidays or in the case of someone starting a home business. The intersection with Level Hill Road is notorious in town for being dangerous and difficult to see. In the event of new signage or a traffic light being deemed necessary to accommodate the increase in traffic, Eliot asked, who is expected to pay for that?

The meeting adjourned with the board unanimously approving the preliminary application as complete. Boyle took extensive notes during the period of public comment and asked concerned citizens to contact him directly to include their input in the plan as it moves forward.

Repair work taking place at Lithgow Library

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photo: Friends of Lithgow Public Library

Please note that starting March 11, there will be ongoing repair work taking place in the library’s historic wing. The first phase of work will start with the Reading Room, which will be partially closed, and then will shift to the West side where the dvds, magazines and newspapers are housed. During phase two, the magazines and newspapers will be relocated to the Reference area on the 2nd floor and some of the dvds may be unavailable.

The historic wing is the library’s designated quiet area, but during this time there will be disruption. Thank you for your patience.

Lithgow Library is located at 45 Winthrop Street, in Augusta. For more information, please call the library at (207) 626-2415 or visit our website at www.lithgowlibrary.org

China select board tightens social service funding, advances budget to committee

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by Mary Grow

At their March 10 meeting, China select board members put their draft 2025-26 municipal budget in near-enough final form to forward to the town budget committee. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood hoped to be able to schedule a budget committee meeting the week of March 17.

Voters will make final 2025-26 spending decisions at the Tuesday, June 10, town business meeting, which will be by written ballot.

One March 10 tweak reduced the proposed budget for donations to out-of-town social service agencies.

Hapgood had already recommended cutting most outside organizations’ requests, lowering the almost $32,000 requested to $25,500. Board member Thomas Rumpf moved to delete $500 for the American Red Cross, based on his experiences with the group.

His motion was approved 3-2, with board chairman Wayne Chadwick, Edwin Bailey and Rumpf in favor and Blane Casey and Jeanne Marquis opposed.

The account includes a recommended $500 (half the requested amount) for the Winslow Community Cupboard, which several people said serves China residents. When Casey asked about the China Food Pantry, Hapgood said that group makes no request for town funds.

The draft budget includes 3.5 percent COLA (cost of living adjustment) raises for town employees. Select board members endorsed the increase on 4-1 vote, with Casey opposed. Casey also voted, alone, against supporting all parts of the budget that include salaries.

Chadwick said he, too, would have opposed the 3.5 percent increase as too generous, until he saw what employers are offering to try to hire summer employees; although, he added, those jobs offer fewer benefits than working for the town.

Before tackling the budget, select board members heard two other issues.

China Village volunteer fire department chief Joel Nelson and assistant chief Ben Loubier requested an article in the June 10 warrant asking voters to appropriate money for a new truck for their department.

They need another tanker, to replace a 1990 one acquired in 2014 with an engine so old that parts are hard to find, they explained. Their application for a federal grant was denied in December.

Nelson had two price quotes for a new truck, which he prefers over a second-hand one so the department can customize it and for the warranty. Casey asked for quotes on a used one, too.

Selectmen postponed a decision for two weeks, expecting more price options.

Hapgood reminded board members the 180-day moratorium on new transmission lines through China that voters approved Nov. 5, 2024, will expire early in May.

The question was put on the ballot by petition, in response to the proposed north-south transmission line from Aroostook County that would have gone near or perhaps through China.

The goal was to give China officials time to write and get voter approval for an ordinance to regulate transmission lines. Nothing has been done.

Select board members decided they need to give China Planning Board members a specific instruction to develop an ordinance, and so voted unanimously. Before the expiration date they plan to exercise their option to renew the moratorium for another 180 days.

The planned line that triggered China’s November 2024 vote and similar actions in other towns has been shelved, but board members believe the idea remains alive, so protective measures are still needed.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, March 24.