CHINA: TIF committee approves preliminary engineering work on Causeway bridge

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by Mary Grow

China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee voted unanimously at a Sept. 11 meeting to recommend that selectmen award a contract for preliminary engineering work for a new causeway bridge to Wright-Pierce Engineering, an East coast firm with Maine offices in Topsham and Portland.

Replacing the current bridge at the head of China Lake’s east basin with a new one with space for pedestrian walkways and fishing platforms has been an ongoing TIF project for months.

A TIF subcommittee, after lengthy discussions with representatives of three firms, recommended Wright-Pierce, at a price of $50,700. Wright-Pierce’s plan for preliminary work was comparable to and less expensive than its closer competitor’s plan, Tom Michaud said for the subcommittee.

If selectmen accept the recommendation, the company will be expected to conduct tests at the site of the proposed new bridge, advise on a design and get permits for the work. After preliminary work is done, selectmen will choose a contractor to build the new bridge.

A related expenditure committee members proposed is hiring an engineer from A. E. Hodsdon of Waterville as the town’s representative overseeing the work, at a price to be negotiated.

Example of a box culvert type bridge.

The current causeway bridge is old and beginning to deteriorate. It does not provide pedestrian and fishing space that TIF Committee members want as part of their plan to improve lake access. Some committee members want a new bridge to be high enough for canoes and kayaks to go under it.

Over the past few months, committee members have talked about either a box culvert or a slab bridge. Their decision will depend partly on the results of test borings and other studies, committee member Jim Wilkens said.

Committee members also seek improvements to the often-crowded boat landing just east of the causeway bridge. Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said he and committee member Frank Soares prepared an application to the state Department of Conservation for more than $175,000 for a larger dock. He expects if the project is approved, the town will share the cost.

An example of a slab bridge

Committee member Irene Belanger asked if there is interest in reviving the former Lake Access Committee to look for a site for a public swimming beach on China Lake. She said while some former committee members want nothing to do with the project after voters rejected their proposal to buy the former Candlewood Camps property, others have asked her about trying again.

L’Heureux told the committee the state Department of Economic and Community Development approved adding tax payments from the new Central Maine Power Company substation off Route 3 to TIF funds. As a result, he said, this year’s payment should be more than $350,000, up from just under $279,000 last year.

The state also approved extending the program from the initial 20 years to 30 years, the manager said.

The next TIF Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Oct. 16.

ACBM library to receive support from Hannaford

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A Hannaford program has selected Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, to be a part of the exciting and innovative Hannaford Cause Bag program, which is specially designed to support local nonprofits.

For every Hannaford Helps reusable bag purchased at the Hannaford located in South China during the month of September, $1 is donated to the library’s cause in order to help us fulfill their mission.

Tom Parent, president of the board of trustees says, “We continually appreciate all the support you give, which has allowed ACBM China Library to maintain the work we do in our community. The Hannaford Cause Bag program is a simple and fun way to continue this support.”

Please visit the Hannaford store located at South China during the month of September and buy the specially designed bag with the good karma message.

“Imagine if every one of our supporters purchases just one bag!” Parent continues. “What if everyone bought two! and, purchasing these beautiful Hannaford Helps reusable bags will support us while also helping to eliminate paper/plastic use.”

The board asks that individuals pass this exciting news on to your friends and family. Let them know that the Hannaford Helps bags are located on the reusable bag rack and at various registers.

Bolyns receive LakeSmart designation

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The China Lake Association has announced that Tony and Nancy Bolyn, of China, received the LakeSmart Award for their lake front property. They have trees, shrubs and ground cover near the water front that act as a buffer to protect the lake from phosphorous entering during rain events. There are shrubs and mulch around the perimeter of their house to help absorb any rain coming off the roof. LakeSmart volunteers are able to visit property owners to give ideas of how they can protect the lake on their property. A volunteer can be reached at chinalakesmart@gmail.com or by calling Marie Michaud at 207-242-0240.

McGinnis presented with LakeSmart award

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The China Lake Association has announced that Sherry McGinnis, on China Lake, has just won the coveted LakeSmart Award. Sherry has lived on the lake for 31 years. Her property has a strong buffer at the water front that still allows her to enjoy a great view of the lake. The Youth Conservation Corp added to the buffer several native plants and timbers in 2016. Thank you Sherry for protecting our lake! If you would like to schedule a visit from a LakeSmart Volunteer, please contact Marie Michaud at ChinaLakeSmart@gmail.com or call 207-242-2040.

Bicentennial committee gears up for China’s 200th birthday

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The old Weeks Mills one-room schoolhouse, built in 1860 — newly upgraded with Wifi and electricity!

by Eric W. Austin

Funny how you can spend half your life in a place and still discover something new, I think, as I head down Old Weeks Mills Road to a meeting with China’s Bicentennial Committee.

The meeting is being held in the old Weeks Mills one-room schoolhouse.

Blue lights blink at me as I enter: a modem plugged into the wall just inside. It seems out of place in such an historic setting. The building was restored seven years ago and gleams with clean, whitewashed walls and dark, stained-wood floors.

Wifi and electricity are two modern conveniences that Neil Farrington, China selectman and local history enthusiast, hopes will encourage the next generation to use the building.

“It’s the perfect place for tutoring or to do homework,” he tells me as we wait for the other committee members to arrive.

He’s right. It sounds like a library in here. I feel compelled to use my inside voice.

We’re soon joined by Betty Glidden, who attended class in this very schoolhouse until the eighth grade, her husband Sherwood, and Bob Bennett, a retired history teacher who taught at Erskine Academy, in South China.

The committee has been tasked with planning celebrations for China’s 200th anniversary next year. The talk turns to the many unknown – and unnoticed – places of historical interest in China and the surrounding areas.

“We once had more than 20 schoolhouses just like this one in the areas of China, Weeks Mills and Branch Mills alone,” says Neil. “Imagine that!”

“And there are a ton of little cemeteries all over the place,” I say. “I bet they each have a story to tell.”

“Twenty-eight,” Neil supplies. “Maybe more.”

Neil is big on getting the community involved. Everybody agrees. Bob Bennett tells us how he encouraged his students to conduct interviews to add color to their term papers. Heads nod. China has a rich, deep history, but it’s locked away in the minds of its older citizens and hidden in quiet corners of the landscape.

I pipe up and offer to interview some of our senior residents and share their unique experiences with readers of The Town Line.

“Before they’re lost forever,” says Bob. The prospect is sobering for this little group of history buffs.

A reverence settles over us as we shuffle out of the little schoolhouse. There’s something about considering the vastness of history: you get the sense both of your own insignificance and yet also of our eternal connection to what has gone before.

Do you know someone with a story to tell? Contact The Town Line at townline@fairpoint.net or visit our contact page !

CHINA: Planners OK storage facility

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by Mary Grow

At their Aug. 22 meeting, China Planning Board members unanimously approved Troy Bulmer’s application to turn a large garage on his property at 151 Dirigo Road into a storage facility for motorcycles, jet-skis, boats and similar seasonal motorized items.

His plan, Bulmer told board members, is that people will bring in their equipment in the fall, remove batteries and go away until spring. He plans no additional outside lighting, new construction or other external changes.

Board members voted unanimously that no public hearing was needed, given the distance from neighbors’ property, lack of external changes and minimal impact on traffic on Dirigo Road. They found Bulmer’s plan met all ordinance criteria.

The only reservation was about fire protection for the apartment on the second floor, which Bulmer said is occupied. Board members considered requiring changes, like additional insulation above the garage. Ultimately, they left it to Codes Officer Paul Mitnik to determine what, if anything, Bulmer needs to do.

Mitnik said under the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), he must issue a certificate of occupancy, for which he needs to inspect the property.

Bulmer said if he is required to do extensive rebuilding he’ll abandon the project. After the discussion of Bulmer’s project, board members turned again to review of town land use ordinances, in which Mitnik has discovered inconsistencies and gaps. Board Chairman James Wilkens’ offer to draft clarifications of the first few definitions, as needed, and bring them to the Sept. 12 board meeting was accepted.

Mitnik expects at least two applications will be on the Sept. 12 agenda.

CHINA: Austin retiring from board effective Nov. 1

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China selectman, Joann Austin

Joann Austin is retiring from the China Board of Selectmen on Nov. 1, with a year left of her current term, because, she said, she has been sick all summer.

Board Chairman Neil Farrington announced her pending resignation at the Aug. 21 board meeting. Board members accepted her decision with deep regret. Former Selectman Robert MacFarland led a round of applause from the audience in appreciation of her many years of service.

Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said nomination papers for a one-year term as selectman would be available Aug. 22. Signed papers will be due by 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, along with all other papers for candidates’ names to appear on the Nov. 7 local ballot.

Nomination papers are already available for two two-year terms on the Board of Selectmen (Irene Belanger’s and Ronald Breton’s terms end this year); three two-year terms on the Planning Board (representatives from District 1, currently James Wilkens, and District 3, currently Milton Dudley, and the alternate position held by Ralph Howe, elected from the town at large); and three two-year terms on the Budget Committee (Chairman Robert Batteese, District 1 representative Kevin Maroon and District 3 representative Sheryl Peavey).

Erskine Academy to host new student orientation

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All incoming freshmen or new students and their parents are invited to attend the Erskine Academy New Student Orientation on Monday, August 28, at 6:30 p.m., in the gym. The administration strongly encourages all new students to attend this event as it is an opportunity to become further acquainted with the faculty, facilities, and programs at Erskine. The first day of school for freshmen only will be Tuesday, August 29.

China selectmen approve 15.9 mil tax rate; hear school spending proposal

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen have unanimously approved a 2017-18 tax rate of 15.9 mils, or $15.90 for each $1,000 of valuation, an increase of 40 cents per $1,000 over last year’s rate.

Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said at the board’s Aug. 21 meeting the main reason for the increase is lower state funding for education, requiring local property owners to make up the difference. Also, he said, the homestead exemption for primary residences goes up from $15,000 to $20,000, saving a little money for homeowners but adding to taxes on businesses and seasonal homes.

Selectmen heard a presentation on school spending plans from new Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 Superintendent Carl Gartley, one of three preliminary discussions of Nov. 7 local ballot items.

RSU #18 proposes seeking approval from voters in its member towns (Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Smithfield) for a $14 million bond issue for repairs and updates to several school buildings plus a new athletic complex for Messalonskee High School.

Gartley, a former Erskine Academy teacher and China Middle School principal, shared a table showing that more than $2.4 million of the total amount borrowed would go to China schools, mostly for improvements to the older middle school.

If the bond issue is approved and the work is done, he said, the long-discussed possibility of closing the middle school and enlarging China Primary School would be put off for at least another 20 years.

China Middle School is the second most costly project on Gartley’s list, exceeded only by the $2.8 million earmarked for Oakland’s Williams Elementary School.

Selectman Ronald Breton objected to the bond issue, especially to the plan to include $3 million for the new athletic complex which, he said, very few China students would use.

“My responsibility is this town,” Breton said, urging that the $3 million be made a separate proposal. He added when one of the RSU #18 directors so moved at a board meeting, at Breton’s instigation, the board voted 9 to1 against the proposal.

Gartley fears if the two issues are separated, voters will reject both. He disagreed that China gains less from RSU membership than the other towns; the town has gained academically, in terms of district financial support for building renovations and especially in special education, he said.

He remembered when he was a principal in China searching for appropriate placements for special education students – Erskine Academy, a private school, is not obliged to accept them – and sometimes finding only an expensive alternative that required long bus rides for the student. Now, he said, any RSU #18 student can attend Messalonskee High School.

The second possible Nov. 7 ballot question, to be discussed again at the next selectmen’s meeting, is Board Chairman Neil Farrington’s proposed question that, if approved, would require all nonprofit agencies asking for town funds to provide a financial statement demonstrating their need for the money.

Selectmen considered whether a ballot question is necessary, since a financial statement requirement has been an off-again, on-again policy, and whether information about past spending or future spending plans would be more useful.

A third question likely to be on the ballot is a request, probably for up to $8,000, to create a fire pond on Neck Road, partly on Tom Michaud’s land and partly on an adjoining lot. Michaud said he and China Village Fire Chief Tim Theriault have discussed plans, and selectmen said the other landowner does not object.

Selectmen asked L’Heureux to draft both questions for discussion at their next meeting. They have until mid-September to get local ballot questions in final form.

In other business, L’Heureux reported the state Department of Economic and Community Development approved China’s request to amend its Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program. The changes, supported by voters at the March town business meeting, add the new Central Maine Power Company substation off Route 3 to the TIF base and extend the program from 20 years to 30 years.

Selectmen unanimously approved former board member Robert MacFarland’s plan to replace the supporting beams under the former Weeks Mills schoolhouse. MacFarland estimates the cost for the repairs plus adding a handicapped-access ramp to the back of the building at $9,100. L’Heureux recommended payment from the bicentennial fund and the selectmen’s contingency fund.

The board unanimously authorized TIF Committee member Frank Soares to apply for a state grant to enlarge the boat launch at the head of China Lake’s east basin. The committee is also seeking engineers’ plans for a new causeway bridge just west of the boat landing, Michaud said.

Michaud said the next TIF Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Aug. 28. Selectmen rescheduled their next meeting, which would fall on the Labor Day holiday, to 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6.

 

CHINA NEWS: Codes officer should have stopped events until permits were issued

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by Mary Grow

The China Board of Appeals, on a split vote, decided Aug. 17 that Codes Officer Paul Mitnik should have required Parris and Catherine Varney to stop hosting gatherings in their Neck Road barn until they get a town permit.

The decision was supported by board members Virginia Davis, Lisa Kane, Anthony Pileggi and Dale Worster. Michael Gee dissented. Chairman Spencer Aitel abstained, as he habitually does when his vote is not needed to break a tie. Robert Fischer was absent.

The motion the majority approved found that the barn, which is attached to the Varneys’ house, was formerly used for agricultural storage. When the prior owner renovated the building and put in plumbing and two bathrooms with the goal of making apartments, he changed the structure to commercial. The Varneys need a permit to continue commercial use.

The appeal asking Mitnik to shut down the gatherings until a permit is approved was filed by the Greater Neck Road Neighborhood Association, represented at the Aug. 17 hearing by Sheri Wilkens. Town Attorney Alton Stevens assisted with Mitnik’s presentation.

Davis’s earlier motion stating that the barn was a commercial structure that under China’s land use ordinance requires a permit was defeated, supported only by Davis and Pileggi. Kane and Worster did not explain why they rejected one motion and accepted the other.

Davis insisted the barn was a commercial structure and suggested the Varneys were attempting to evade the local ordinance. Gee, on the other hand, believed the appellants had failed to prove public or commercial use.

“I don’t think they [the Varneys] are doing anything wrong, in the strictest sense,” he said.

For Worster, a main issue was not commercial versus private, but the testimony of several neighbors that noise from the events bothers them. Aitel pointed out that the board of appeals was not asked to rule on the noise issue; it was raised by audience members, not by the appellants.

In September 2016, the Varneys applied to the China Planning Board for a conditional use permit to use the barn as a commercial venue for weddings and similar events. Neighbors, including the Wilkens, opposed the permit, citing concerns about noise, alcohol consumption, environmental effects from the proposed parking area, traffic on the narrow road and other issues.

In October 2016 the planning board rejected the permit because, a majority ruled, the Varneys did not meet the requirement that they avoid “a significant detrimental effect on the use and peaceful enjoyment of abutting property as a result of noise, vibrations, fumes, odor, dust, glare or other cause.” The major focus was on noise.

The Varneys then asked the board of appeals to overrule the planning board. In December 2016 the board of appeals unanimously sent the issue back to the planning board with instructions to support its decision with written findings of fact, especially in relation to the noise issue, about which there was contradictory evidence. Before the planning board could act, a group of neighbors, including the Wilkens, filed an appeal in Superior Court claiming the board of appeals had acted improperly. The court has not yet rendered a judgment.

Meanwhile, this spring and summer the Varneys have hosted various events in their barn, including a retirement party for four Vassalboro Community School teachers and a birthday party. The Neighborhood Association appeal claimed these events should not have been held without a permit.

Mitnik said he had not acted because he believed the events were private parties, not commercial or public events, and no town permit was needed. The barn has been used for occasional private parties for 10 or 15 years, he said, so continuing them is not a change of use. Commercial use would be a change, requiring planning board approval.

He defined the situation as “just a neighborhood dispute. It has nothing to do with codes enforcement.”

Attorney Stevens, on Mitnik’s behalf, pointed out that under the definitions in China’s ordinance, a commercial structure is a building intended for commercial use, and a commercial use must be intended to produce revenue and must actually produce revenue. Perhaps the Varneys would like to make money from the use of the barn, but neither the appellants nor anyone else presented evidence they had done so, he said.

Therefore, he said, there is no commercial use, no commercial structure and no change of use for which a permit would be required.

Neck Road resident Kathy Cioppa said she organized the Vassalboro retirement party, and the Varneys got no money for hosting it. Attendees were asked to contribute, she said, but the money went to the caterer and to buy gifts for the retirees, not to the Varneys.

Another issue discussed was whether the Varneys needed a permit from the state fire marshal and whether the lack of one raised safety concerns. Mitnik and Stevens said the state fire code is a totally different regulation which most local codes officers, including Mitnik, are not trained and licensed to enforce.

After the decision, Aitel said the Varneys can appeal to Superior Court. Stevens had earlier said an appeal would probably not be heard. Because the codes officer has what he called “prosecutorial discretion” about enforcement, he said the court would probably interpret the board of appeals action as advisory and would not rule on it.

About 50 residents, not all from the Neck Road, crowded into the China town office meeting room for the hearing.