China town manager presents several proposals to selectmen

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Image Credit: chinalakeassociation.org

by Mary Grow

China selectmen spent much of their July 23 meeting discussing the Tax Increment Finance Committee’s causeway project, which consists of replacing the bridge at the head of China Lake’s east basin and, as phase two, improving the boat landing and access to the lake.

Additional parking is a prerequisite for state improvements to the boat landing. Selectmen approved committee members’ plans to have a state Department of Environmental Protection staff member inspect Susan Bailey’s property to assess its suitability for parking, to ask other nearby landowners if they are interested in selling and to discuss an easement for use of part of the China Baptist Church parking area.

The Bailey property is on the market for $120,000.

In other business, new Town Manager Dennis Heath presented several proposals, none ready for immediate action.

He and transfer station employees are discussing ways to have the facility open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, without additional expense. The Transfer Station Committee was expected to continue the discussion at its July 25 meeting.

Heath and veteran road employee Gary Cummings talked about a long-term road repaving plan, which Heath said could create an eight-year cycle. That issue he intends to discuss next with China’s Road Committee.

A third issue, on which Heath said he spent most of his first three weeks in office, was town finances. The manager had a summary of revenue and expenses beginning in fiscal year 2015 which, among other things, illustrated the difference between accounting on a cash basis, as done by the town office system, and on an accrual basis, as used by the auditors.

Heath’s preliminary conclusion is that the annual tax rate has been slightly higher than necessary to cover annual expenses, resulting in a healthy surplus.

The China website says the next China selectmen’s meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6.

China company retains contract for bridge replacement at the head of China lake

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by Mary Grow

The bid for the China Lake causeway bridge replacement is still awarded to Comprehensive Land Technologies, of South China, after a last-minute discussion almost led to reconsideration.

At the rescheduled China Tax Increment Finance Committee meeting held July 19, members of the subcommittee overseeing the project objected that China selectmen had awarded the contract without their recommendation.

Selectmen reviewed four bids at their July 9 meeting and unanimously awarded the contract to Jason Tyler’s Comprehensive Land Technologies, the lowest and only local bidder (see The Town Line, July 12, p. 3). (ep)

Tyler’s bid was $493,750. The next lowest bid, $529,000, was from T. Buck Construction Inc., of Auburn.

Engineer Joe McLean, of Wright-Pierce, the town’s consultant on the project, said T. Buck had more experience with bridges, but did not argue against Comprehensive Land Technologies. Selectmen had favorable recommendations from similar jobs Tyler has done, and they pointed out that the China project is not exactly a bridge, but a large precast concrete culvert.

Tyler asked for a prompt notice of the award, saying he had to order the culvert right away to have it by October.

At the July 19 TIF meeting, new Town Manager Dennis Heath said he was unsure that the four bids should have gone directly to the selectboard, rather than to the TIF subcommittee and the full TIF Committee.

Several TIF Committee members wanted to review the bids, even if doing so meant rescinding the notice of award and delaying the project.

Committee member Frank Soares blamed the TIF group for being disorganized and feared the town would incur financial penalties if selectmen changed the award.

Consequently, the TIF subcommittee on the bridge project – Soares, Tom Michaud, and Jim Wilkens – met with Tyler before the July 23 selectmen’s meeting. Michaud presented the meeting as a chance to get acquainted with Tyler and a “pre-construction chat,” and there was no discussion of rescinding the award.

Tyler said Comprehensive Land Technologies started in 1995 as a logging business. Clearing land led to construction, construction became increasingly technical – he and his more than two dozen employees have built a boat landing and worked on Central Maine Power Company substations, among other things.

His largest single job was a $12 million project, he said. He likes to maintain a local presence, too, so he’ll cut down a resident’s unhealthy or unwanted tree for a few hundred dollars.

Wright-Pierce will be overseeing the bridge replacement on behalf of the town. Tyler will report to them; they will report to Heath; Heath will report to selectmen and TIF Committee members. Tyler emphasized that as construction proceeds, there might be changes in plans requiring local consideration.

The other major topic at the July 19 TIF meeting was acquisition of land for parking near the head of the lake. Soares said without better parking, the state will not enlarge or improve the boat landing.

Susan Bailey’s property, including the small lot now used unofficially for boat landing parking plus a larger parcel across Routes 202 and 9, is on the market for $120,000. Committee members said much of the lot is designated as wetland or resource protection; Michaud said he had arranged with Mark McCluskey, of A. E. Hodsdon Engineers, also assisting the town, to talk with state environmental officials.

Michaud moved that the town be authorized to make a deposit on the land pending environmental review, so Bailey would know the town’s offer is serious. Committee members could not think of a source of funds, and Michaud withdrew his motion.

At the committee’s June 18 meeting, Soares proposed that he, Michaud and Wilkens talk with other landowners across the highway about possible sales. No one had followed up as of July 19.

In November 2016 China voters authorized spending up to $10,000 for the smaller piece of Bailey’s property. She is unable to separate the two pieces. Voters have not been asked to approve spending $120,000 for the entire lot.

Most of the other business at the July 19 TIF meeting was procedural, including updates on preparing application forms for TIF funds and for the revolving loan fund the committee is establishing.

Heath said committee member Amber McAllister is resigning as chairman; someone else needs to be chosen to prepare agendas and run meetings.

The July 19 meeting had been scheduled for July 16, but no one sent reminders or an agenda and several members did not know of the meeting or had conflicts, so it was canceled that afternoon. Committee member Ronald Breton, unaware of the change, drove 113 miles from his summer camp. At the July 23 selectmen’s meeting, selectmen reimbursed him at the town’s mileage rate for his 226-mile round trip.

TIF Committee members scheduled their next meeting for 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 30.

Bog Brook culvert replacement set to begin in August

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The detour you’ll need to take during the construction.

The Bog Brook culvert replacement schedule has been released by the town of China. The 25-day project is expected to begin on Monday, August 13, and continue until Friday, September 21. During that period of time, through traffic will be detoured around the project, and only local traffic will be permitted in the area.

Preliminary work will begin on Tuesday, August 14 with site demolition scheduled for Monday, September 3. The new culvert will be installed from Monday, September 10 through Friday, September 14. Road work and paving should take place from Monday, September 17 until Wednesday, September 19. Restoration and clean up will then take place around Thursday, September 20, and continue for about four days.

For the duration of the project, the Hanson Road from the Cross Road to the Bog Brook Road, where the project is taking place, will be closed to through traffic and open only to local traffic, as well as the end of the Bog Brook Road to Pleasant View Ridge Road. Please see the map for more information. Feel free to contact the town office at 445-2014 or info@chinamaine.org with any questions or concerns.

Invasive plant patrol workshop on China Lake

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China Lake Association has announced it will be hosting an Invasive Plant Paddle this year on China Lake. The Four Seasons Club has offered us the use of their facilities for this event. The training will be taught by members from Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) formally know as Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP).

This is a free three-hour workshop that takes place on the shore and on the lake. It is a great way to learn about Maine’s native aquatic plants and the invasive aquatic plants that threaten the beautiful lakes. Participants will each receive a free ”Quick Key to Ruling Out Maine’s Eleven Most Unwanted Invasive Aquatic Plants,” and will practice skills needed to spot suspicious plants while on the water.

The Plant Paddle will take place on Tuesday August 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Four Seasons Club, 570 Lakeview Drive, South China, Maine. To register and to find more information about the Invasive Plant Paddle go to : https://www.mainevlmp.org/invasive-plant-patrol-workshops/

Please register by August 14. There is a limited number of spaces but we also need at least 12 people to have the training. If you have questions message China Lake Association on Facebook or email Elaine Philbrook at esphibrook@gmail.com

Can you tell the Maine native waterweed from the invasive waterweed? Come to the Invasive Plant Paddle to learn the difference. Help keep Maine lakes safe from invasive aquatic species.

China throws retirement party for town manager

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Dan L’Heureux tries out his commemorative rocking chair, presented to him by Select Board Chairman MacFarland. (Photo by Eric Austin)

by Eric W. Austin

On June 30, a crowd of grateful citizens, from the town of China and surrounding areas, gathered in the portable building behind the town office to wish luck to Dan L’Heureux as he enters retirement after more than 22 years of service as China’s town manager.

Dennis Heath, China’s new town manager beginning July 1, got the festivities started, saying, “One of the things I learned in my career in the military is that it’s important to acknowledge the service that somebody gives to their state, to their community, to their country. And 22-1/2 years given of Dan’s life in service to the community of China is nothing to shake a stick at. I wanted to make sure we honored that today.”

Bob MacFarland, Chairman of the Select Board, then spoke. “I’ve known Dan for 10 years,” he said. “He’s a great person to work with; very conscientious. He’s fiscally intelligent, which has benefited all of us, and he’s been nothing but good for the town.”

Maine State Representative Tim Theriault, of China, then introduced Matt Pouliot, a state representative from Augusta who will be running for Roger Katz’s state senate seat this fall. Representative Pouliot began by saying, “A lot of the good work that’s done in the state of Maine is done by the town managers and the town select boards and the members of town committees. The best decisions are made at the local level and they require really good local leadership.”

Pouliot then presented Dan with a Certificate of Legislative Sentiment for his more than two decades of service to the town of China. Reading from the certificate, Mr. Pouliot said, “Be it known to all that we, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, join in recognizing Daniel J. L’Heureux, of Waterville, on his retirement as China town manager after 22 years of service. We extend to Mr. L’Heureux our appreciation for his public service and offer him our congratulations on his retirement. And be it ordered that this official expression of sentiment be set forthwith on behalf of the 128th legislature and the people of the State of Maine. Signed by the President of the Senate, Mike Thibodeau, and the Speaker of the House, Sara Gideon. Sponsored by Representative Tim Theriault, Senator [Scott] Cyrway, Representative Tom Longstaff, and Representative Colleen Madigan.”

Theriault then presented Dan with a ceremonial flag. Reading, he said, “This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown over the state capitol on June 28, in honor of Dan L’Heureux, of Waterville, on his retirement as town manager of China.” He then added, “I want you to remember us when you fly this at your home. Remember that the town of China really appreciates you.”

Retiring China Town Manager Dan L’Heureux, left, and new town manager Dennis Heath during retirement party. (Photo by Eric Austin)

Select board member, Neil Farrington, also said a few words. “I’ve had about 14 years on the board,” he said. “Dan has kept me honest, and when I get on my hifalutin dream ideas, he brings me back to reality … He’s the type of person you can go to with any idea you have, and he’ll listen to you and understand you, and sometimes reject you — but that’s a part of being in a manager’s position. He’s always been there, whether it’s professional or personal. I consider him a close friend, and we’re going to miss him here at the town office.”

Irene Belanger, a China select board member, then stepped forward to present Dan with a Spirit of America award. She said, “I am on the state board for the Spirit of America. Spirit of America honors volunteers. Although he’s had a paid position, Dan has also done a lot that’s over and above what he actually needed to do. On behalf of the Town of China, we have given you the Spirit of America award. It’s in recognition of your outstanding service spirit, and the timeless hours given for the benefit of the community. We congratulate you on the great things you have accomplished.”

Joann Austin, a South China resident who retired from the Select Board last year after more than 25 years of service, then addressed the group. “In all the years I’ve worked with him,” she said, “I’ve been astonished at, and thankful, for his ability to take stuff that comes into the town office — and it’s all different kinds of energy that comes in, some happy, some not — and he doesn’t take it personally, and he tries very hard to find a way to solve it.”

MacFarland then presented Dan with a locally made, wooden rocking chair as a memento of his time as China town manager. On the back of the chair is a plaque which reads: “Dan L’Heureux. Town manager, January 15, 1996 to June 30, 2018. In grateful appreciation for your dedicated service to the Town of China and with wishes for your lasting enjoyment of your retirement.”

Finally, Dan L’Heureux came to the front. He said, “I’m always mindful that ceremonies like this say as much about the energy within a community, and those people who are hosting it, as it does about the person they’re recognizing. So, I thank you very much. When I looked for employment in the past and decided whether I would stay for a long time, it depended on four criteria. One was that I had my family’s support, and that I did have. A second one was that I liked what I do. The vocation of a town manager is ever-expanding, ever-changing, and ever-challenging. And the third was that I hoped I would like the people that I worked with and they would like me. And the fourth was that I liked the people that I worked for, and that’s all of you. And you have been terrific to me. I’m very thankful and I think this community has tremendous fiber, and I will eternally miss … a lot of you.”

There was much laughter at this last, and someone from the crowd shouted, “Are you gonna run for mayor now?”

The speeches were followed by hors d’oeuvres prepared by the town office staff, cake, and a great deal of socializing.

Representative Matt Pouliot, of Augusta, presents Dan L’Heureux with a Certificate of Legislative Sentiment. Representative Tim Theriault, of China, stands on the right.

Dan L’Heureux’s retirement cake.

LakeSmart on China Lake now ready for inspections

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LakeSmart crews at work!

Sponsored by the China Lake Association, the China LakeSmart volunteers have already started the 2018 season by visiting lakefront property owners who have requested a visit. We hope you will join our effort to protect China Lake from the effects of harmful storm water runoff. A volunteer visit lasts about one hour. In that time we will be able to provide you with ideas tailored to your property to promote a healthy lake.

The China Region Lake Alliance will assist to get the work completed with manpower provided by the Youth Conservation Corp. Project funds are available through the Kennebec Water District and the Town of China. The China LakeSmart Program is focused on educating the public about protecting China Lake and acknowledging the involvement of participants, recognizing them with a LakeSmart award. The volunteer visit is free!

To schedule your free visit, contact the China Lake Association‘s China LakeSmart team leader, Marie Michaud at ChinaLakeSmart@gmail.com or call (207) 242-0240.

China special meeting needed to settle final fiscal bills

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen held a special meeting Friday, June 29, to deal with final bills as the fiscal year ended and to review and accept bids on two major culvert projects.

The bids were for new culverts to let Hunter Brook pass under Bog Brook Road and Pleasant View Ridge Road. Selectmen had six bids for Bog Brook Road and five for Pleasant View Ridge.

Prices for Bog Brook Road went from $111,217.50 from Ranger Contracting of Winslow to $380,000; selectmen unanimously chose Ranger Contracting. For the Pleasant View Ridge work, bids went from $153,000 from Nitram Excavation of Benton to $395,000; selectmen again unanimously chose the low bidder, Nitram Excavation.

At the March town business meeting, voters appropriated up to $150,000 for the Bog Brook Road culvert, approving a special article for major road work. The Pleasant View Ridge Road culvert is to come from the regular road appropriation plus a state grant of almost $100,000, with a local match that former Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said in the spring would probably not exceed 15 percent.

The only other major business June 29 was review and preliminary approval of a revised memorandum of understanding with China’s fire departments and rescue service, dealing primarily with the stipends for volunteers that voters at the March town business meeting approved for a second year.

Revisions are intended to make it absolutely clear that the payments are for services rendered; they are not wages and the volunteers are not town employees. New Town Manager Dennis Heath said the revised agreement, discussed with fire and rescue chiefs and drafted with legal advice, is consistent with state law, the Fair Labor Standards Act and Internal Revenue Service rules.

Selectmen proposed minor changes to the draft memorandum, which Heath said he planned to review again with the fire and rescue chiefs.

As of June 29, selectmen planned to meet again Monday evening, July 9. One potential agenda item is review of bids for the new bridge at the head of China Lake’s east basin.

China bridge contract awarded to local contractor

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen unanimously awarded the bid to replace the causeway bridge at the head of China Lake’s east basin to the low – and local – bidder, Jason Tyler’s Comprehensive Land Technologies, Inc., of South China.

At their July 9 meeting board members briefly discussed the four bids received, which ranged from Tyler’s $493,750 to almost $655,000. Joe McLean, of Wright-Pierce, said all the bids were higher than he had expected based on past history; but, he said, the construction picture has changed this year. Contractors are not searching for work, and many have trouble finding competent employees for the work they have.

Asked whether the new bridge was a large or a small project for his company, Tyler said it was “on the high end of small.” He has experience with similar projects and the necessary state certification to work in the shoreland zone and in the water, he said.

McLean said the next steps are paperwork: a formal notice of the bid award from the town, a contract, a schedule and plans for traffic control that he will review and finally a notice to proceed.

Tyler asked for a bid award notice promptly, saying he needs to order the precast concrete sections immediately to receive them early in October.

McLean said the project has a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. The state Department of Environmental Protection exempts bridge replacements from Natural Resources Protection Act permit requirements. Someone, perhaps a member of the Tax Increment Finance Committee subcommittee on the bridge, needs to apply to the China Planning Board for a town permit.

Work is to be done in late September and October. Part of the plan is to give area residents, including summer residents, ample notice of times the road will be closed.

In a related matter, a speed study is planned on the causeway, where the legal limit is currently 45 miles an hour. Town Manager Dennis Heath said China’s police force will do the study; he expects them to conduct it the week of July 16 and for another week three weeks later.

Former Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said if average traffic speed does not match the posted limit, the state Department of Transportation might adjust the limit.

In other business July 9:

  • Selectmen unanimously appointed Kimberly Bolduc-Bartlett to work with Peter A. Nerber as China’s animal control officers. Bolduc-Bartlett is Windsor’s animal control officer, Heath said. Each will be paid a monthly stipend plus mileage, he said.
  • After a 20-minute discussion, board members decided to proceed as in past years with sale of foreclosed properties, advertising for and accepting sealed bids with a 10 percent down payment, refundable if the bid is not accepted, and setting a minimum bid on each property that would cover town expenses. A public bid opening is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the town office, making the deadline for accepting bids 12:59 p.m. Aug. 16.
  • They accepted Heath’s recommendation to postpone repaving Parmenter Hill Road to the 2019/20 fiscal year, to stay within the 2018/19 paving budget.
  • They expressed interest in an email or phone notification system that would let town officials notify residents who signed up of events and changes, like the July 3 closing of the transfer station that Heath and Board Chairman Robert MacFarland said caught some residents off guard.
  • They unanimously renewed Wildwood Pawn’s pawnbroker’s license for another year.

According to the town website, the next selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, July 23. Heath prepared a financial summary of the fiscal year that ended June 30 and suggested board members review it in preparation for a July 23 discussion.

Road work scheduled in China

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Site of culvert replacement on Rte. 3, in South China. (Photo by Roland Hallee)

Two road projects are scheduled for work this summer in China.

A large culvert will be replaced on Rte. 3 between Rockwood Drive and Fieldstone Quikstop, in South China. The contractor will be F. C. Work & Son, Inc., of Jackson. There will be an on-site trailer in place. Residents and property owners adjacent to this project may contact Lewis Benner, the consultant resident representing the state of Maine Department of Transportation, by calling 242-2047 or via email, LBenner@kleinfelder.com. In the event he cannot be reached, you may contact Thomas Stevens at 592-4508.

The other project will involve the installation of rumble strips in the centerline of Rte. 3, from China to Belmont, beginning at the island northeast of the intersection with Rtes. 9 and 202, to the 40 mph sign west of Rte. 131, a total of 25.07 miles.

Should you have any questions regarding this project, you may contact the Department of Transportation representative to rumble strips, Stephen E. Bodge II, assistant program manager, by calling 441-6850.

Gifted Sisters

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Josette (left) and Lydia (right) Gilman

Sisters Josette and Lydia Gilman were each recipients of $250 in talent scholarship money from the Alfond Youth Center (AYC). For the past three years, the AYC in Waterville has been hosting its talent show at the Page Com­mons on the Colby College campus. Each year, the AYC solicits talented youth from the Kennebec County/ greater Waterville area to compete for 10 slots available as part of its ‘Annual Appeal’ (Dinner and Talent Show). Scholarship money can be used by the awardees to further their performing talents.

Lydia, a second-time scholarship award recipient, is a high-honors student at Erskine Academy, in South China, and will be a junior this year. She enjoys singing, playing the piano and dance.

For the 2018 competition, Lydia was joined by her younger sister, Josette. Josette, an honor student from China Middle School, enjoys singing and art. Josette will be a freshmen next year and attending Erskine Academy with her sister. The two performed “Royals” by Lord as a singing duet.

Lydia and Josette Gilman are the daughters of Lance and April Gilman, of China, and the granddaughters of Judi Gilman, also of China.