by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members decided at their July 30 meeting that they have a proposed new town ordinance ready to forward to select board members.

The document is titled “Mass Gathering Ordinance” and is intended to regulate events that bring 500 or more people to a site, in order to protect nearby residents and participants. Board members began discussion at their July 9 meeting (see the July 18 issue of The Town Line, p. 2).

Board chairman Toni Wall said the title is based on state law. Board members are working from an ordinance that Vassalboro voters narrowly rejected three years ago, adapted to fit China.

Much of the July 30 discussion focused on the application process – what information someone planning to hold a large gathering, like an outdoor concert or a road race, needs to provide. Planners agreed requiring an application three months before the event was scheduled to start was reasonable.

They included a required public hearing to collect comments before acting on an application.

The ordinance, if recommended by the select board and approved by voters (perhaps on Nov. 5), would not apply to pre-existing venues where gatherings are normally held.

The ordinance, if recommended by the select board and approved by voters (perhaps on Nov. 5), would not apply to pre-existing venues where gatherings are normally held. Board members agreed it would not affect most ongoing events, from church fairs and fire department fund-raisers to the annual China Community Days celebration.

Vassalboro’s ordinance was drafted in response to a planned country music festival on private property. The festival was never held.

Wall said she would forward the draft ordinance to town attorney Amanda Meader for her review before it goes to the select board.

Planning board members had one other piece of business July 30, a revised plan for Novel Energy Systems’ solar development on Parmenter Hill Road, approved last fall. Codes Enforcement Officer Nicholas French said Novel Energy has had to buy a different type of solar panel, which requires a different configuration.

There is no change in the size of the area panels will cover, or in buffers or other aspects of the project that affect neighboring lots, French said.

Board members unanimously approved the revised plan.

The next regular China planning board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13.

by Mary Grow

China select board members heard information at their July 29 meeting that they hope will let them set the 2024-25 local tax rate at their Aug. 12 meeting.

Assessor William Van Tuinen said state officials had approved his revaluation of China property. By increasing land values by 10 percent and building values by 20 percent across the board, he brought China’s valuation close enough to actual prices to count as the 100 percent valuation the state wants.

Mobile homes Van Tuinen said he treated differently. Since they had not been revalued for some time, he increased their valuations more, though he kept in mind the lower value of older mobile homes.

With this work done and approved, Van Tuinen said he probably can give selectmen the information and tax rate options they need before their next meeting.

The valuation adjustments do not mean that tax bills will increase by 10 and 20 percent; higher valuations allow a lower tax rate. However, increased expenditures this fiscal year over last year will raise local taxes.

Nomination papers now available

Nomination papers for China local elective offices became available Monday, July 29. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood presented a list of those whose terms expire this year:

— On the select board: Brent Chesley, Blane Casey and Janet Preston;
— On the budget committee: secretary (vacant), District 2 (Taryn Hotham), District 4 (Timothy Basham) and at large (Elizabeth Curtis); and
— RSU #18 Director: T. James Bachinski.

Signed nomination papers must be returned to the town office by Friday, Sept. 6, for candidates’ names to be on the Nov. 5 local ballot.

On another topic, a petition presented at the July 29 meeting asked for a public meeting to discuss and vote on a moratorium on high-voltage transmission lines or corridors passing through the town. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said the petition was started in October 2023 and recently received the required number of signatures.

The three board members present, Jeanne Marquis, Brent Chesley and chairman Wayne Chadwick, discussed whether to schedule a special town meeting, hoping the required 100 voters would show up, or whether to put a transmission line/corridor moratorium ordinance on a Nov. 5 local ballot. On Chadwick’s recommendation, they postponed action until a full board is present.

Hapgood said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved one of China’s three requests for storm damage reimbursement, authorizing a grant of more than $48,000 to cover costs of cleaning up roadside brush and debris. State officials are reviewing the grant, she said. There has been no action yet on the other grant applications.

She presented a brief report on a violation of China’s solid waste ordinance: a seasonal resident entered the transfer station on a Monday, a day it is closed, to leave trash before returning to his year-round
home.

The man self-reported, Hapgood said, perhaps because an attendant saw and recorded him.

The maximum penalty could have been a $700 fine, Hapgood said. Board members considered that it was a first offense and self-reported and imposed a $100 fine.

Board members unanimously approved a renewal license for Wildwood Pawn, Inc., on Gunshop Road north of China Village.

They approved more end-of-fiscal year business, allocating money unspent before June 30 to 2024-25 accounts or reserve funds. They approved contracts for town functions, as Hapgood recommended.

Hapgood reported that Julia Gagnon, Maine’s American Idol contestant earlier this year, will sing at the barbecue that is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2, at the ballfields by China Middle School, on Lakeview Drive. Barbecue tickets were almost sold out by July 29.

The Aug. 1 – 3 China Community Days schedule is available on line on the China Community Days Facebook page and on the town website, chinamaine.org.

August China select board meetings are scheduled for Monday evening, Aug. 12, and Monday evening, Aug. 26.

by Mary Grow

The Palermo Library Board held its 22nd annual meeting at the library on Sunday, July 14.  In addition to accepting annual reports, the board re-elected Chris Diesch chairman; Pam Swift secretary; and Diane Bent, treasurer. Diesch thanked the volunteers who keep the library open.

The library has an ongoing book sale and other events for adults and children.  During the annual Palermo Days celebration in August, library volunteers will raffle off a large quilt, on display in the meeting room.

Diesch said the 3D printer is now working.  She recommended anyone wanting to use it schedule an appointment, as not all volunteers are equally familiar with it.

The Palermo library is at 2789 Route 3, in Palermo; the telephone number is (207) 993-6088.  Its website, Palermo.me.lib.us, lists hours and other useful information.