by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members used their Feb. 27 meeting to continue preparations for updating China’s comprehensive plan and to work on possible amendments to the town’s land use ordinance.

An article in the warrant for the March 24 town business meeting asks voters to appropriate up to $22,000 from either unassigned fund balance (formerly called surplus) or the Tax Increment Financing fund, if appropriate, to develop and implement a revised town comprehensive plan. The money would be spent mostly for a professional consultant’s services.

The budget committee unanimously endorsed the expenditure.

China’s present plan is valid through the summer of 2020. Planning Board Chairman Tom Miragliuolo said at earlier meetings that an update is not required, but municipalities without valid plans are disadvantaged in various ways, including losing points on applications for state grants.

There are already a small number of applicants to serve on a new Comprehensive Planning Committee. Board members hope to recruit more at town meeting. Volunteers should call the town office.

Reviewing a section of the definitions in the land use ordinance, board members found that most seem satisfactory; a few clarifications were recommended.

Any changes in the ordinance will need voters’ approval. There are no proposed ordinance amendments on the March 24 meeting warrant.

The next regular planning board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, March 13.

CHINA — The China Appeals Board will meet on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Office Meeting Room to hear a request to reconsider the decision of the Board of Appeals dated February 20, 2018 on two appeals from Bio Renewable Fuels, Corp. for a property located at China Tax Map 29 Lot 15.

Col. Robert Williams, China resident and chief of the Maine State Police

China resident accepts position as director of security at Colby College, in Waterville

Robert A. Williams, of China, head of the Maine State Police for the past seven years, has been named director of security at Colby College. His appointment follows an extensive national search. In his 33 years in law enforcement, Williams rose through the ranks, from trooper to ultimately being nominated by Governor Paul LePage to become colonel in 2011. Williams comes to Colby with extensive experience in emergency response planning, personnel management, and organizational development. He begins his work at Colby March 12.

“At a time when the security issues facing colleges and universities are increasingly complex, having a seasoned leader with experience in every aspect of protecting our communities will position Colby for continued strength,” said Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer Doug Terp. “Bob also demonstrates a keen ability to build relationships, which is an important element of this role. We look forward to welcoming him to Colby.”

Williams began his career in law enforcement in 1983 as a trooper for the Pittsfield Police Department. He later became a state trooper in Skowhegan, for 11 years, before rising to the position of sergeant. In 1998 he became lieutenant in the communications unit, and in 2000 he rose to major, overseeing nine units. In 2007 Williams was named lieutenant colonel. His professional development experience includes crowd control and event security, team building and ethics, and extensive leadership training.

“As a native of central Maine, I have watched Colby continue to rise,” said Williams. “I am drawn to Colby’s commitment to excellence, something that I have continually worked toward as a member of the Maine State Police. After a full career in law enforcement, I am excited about the opportunity to interact with a whole new community.”

A graduate of University of Maine, Augusta, Williams earned a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Husson University, in Bangor. He also attended the FBI National Academy, in Quantico, Virginia. He is a longtime member of the Vassalboro Fire Department, where he has served on the board of directors since 1992.

At Colby, Williams will lead a staff of 40 employees and will manage and administer safety programming, facility security, compliance, training, emergency preparedness, and critical incident management. He will work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and other constituents to promote a safe and secure environment.

A resident of China, Maine, Williams and his wife, Joyce, are the parents of two adult daughters with careers in healthcare.

by Mary Grow

China selectmen have scheduled their second February meeting for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, since the usual Monday meeting would fall on the Presidents’ Day holiday. The board meets in the town office.

On Monday, Feb. 19, the China town office and transfer station will be closed for the holiday.