CHINA: Self-storage facility gets approval

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by Mary Grow

China Codes Officer William Butler reported the planning board, meeting March 10, approved Jamie Nichols’ application for a self-storage facility on Vassalboro Road.

Nichols amended his application by adding more phosphorus treatment and reducing the amount of impervious surface to bring the facility into compliance with China’s phosphorus run-off regulations.

The board approval is conditional on Nichols getting two state Department of Environmental Protection permits.

The next China Planning Board meeting is currently scheduled for Tuesday evening, March 24. Butler said the agenda has two items, review of an application for Phase Two of the causeway project at the head of China Lake’s east basin and continued discussion of SunRaise solar projects near Route 3.

The second phase of the causeway project involves changes to the shoreline and boat landing east of the new causeway bridge, which was the heart of the first phase. SunRaise has approval for a solar array off Windsor Road (see The Town Line, March 5, p. 3), with further discussion of the surety bond for decommissioning and restoration of the property pending, and has applied for a second solar development farther east on Route 3.

China annual town meeting rescheduled to May 2

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by Mary Grow

At their March 16 meeting, China selectmen unanimously approved Town Manager Dennis Heath’s recommendations for balancing staff and residents’ safety with necessary town services in the coronavirus age.

The goal of the proposals Heath, Emergency Preparedness Committee members and others developed is “to not create mass hysteria, but show people that we’re being thoughtful and responsible,” the manager said.

To that end:

  • The annual town business meeting that was scheduled for April 4 has been rescheduled, for now at least, to 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2, with the two pre-meeting informational sessions planned for March moved to April 26 and 29.
  • Meetings of all town committees are suspended until further notice, with two exceptions: the Selectboard will continue to meet alternate Mondays for essential town business only, and the Thursday, March 19, China for a Lifetime Committee meeting will be held to continue to advise on appropriate emergency measures.
  • The transfer station will remain open the usual hours, except the Free-for-the-Taking building, which will be closed. Transfer station users should keep a safe distance from staff members and from other users.
  • Town office staff will continue to work normal hours, but with limited person-to-person contact. Those needing town office services are encouraged to do their business on-line or to call the town office for over-the-phone discussions. Beginning soon, probably March 23, the office doors will be locked and only people who have made an appointment and whose business must be done face-to-face will be admitted. Tax payments due March 27 can be left in the box outside the office door or mailed.
  • A new coronavirus page on the town website will continue to provide updated information.

China’s website is china.govoffice.com. The town office telephone number is 445-2014; the email address is info@chinamaine.org.

Selectmen and Heath do not know how long emergency measures will be in place. They will monitor news and advice about the pandemic and act accordingly.

Former Selectman Robert MacFarland asked whether the town had plans to provide supplies to housebound residents if necessary. Heath said that was one of the issues the China for a Lifetime Committee was working on, and one reason its meeting was not cancelled.

There will be limits to what the town can do, he said. That day he had asked staff to try to get a supply of disinfectant wipes: none are available, none can be ordered.

Selectmen authorized Heath to use money from their contingency fund to assist residents during the coronavirus emergency.

In other business March 16, selectmen appointed Trishea Story secretary of the Tax Increment Financing Committee.

As of March 16, the next China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, March 30.

CHINA: Local Actions Update for COVID-19

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Update from Dennis L. Heath, CMM Town Manager
Posted 03/17/2020

This update provides actions approved for local implementation to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While not all-inclusive, we are taking specific actions that will help our residents and town employees to be better prepared as the outbreak becomes more present. While we understand that not all our residents have access to the Internet, we encourage as many as can to consult the town website at https://china.govoffice.com/ for the latest updates on our local actions. Watch for a COVID-19 link that will take you directly to the information.

The following actions are effective immediately:

Town Meeting

Postponed to May 2, 2020 at 9 am
Postponed public budget hearings to Apr 26 and 29, 2020

Town Committees

Suspend Meetings indefinitely (few exceptions)

Transfer Station

Remains Open
No physical or close contact with employees
Free-for-Taking Building is closed until further notice
Not taking recyclables for two weeks.

Town Office

Remains Open
Maximum use of online services
Use drop-box for property tax payments
Prepare for appointment-only/call-in service (begin immediately)

Support to homebound

China for a Lifetime Committee (CFALC), in coordination with China Rescue, China Food Pantry, and the Town Office, is preparing to assist those that are incapable of leaving their homes or at greatest risk of infection

Town Office is attempting to acquire paper products and disinfecting supplies for distribution to those in greatest need; CFALC will be the arbiter/distributor

On the reverse of this information sheet is a useful chart you can use to help determine if you are showing the likely symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. Many may exhibit the symptoms of either the common cold or influenza (flu). If you have any concerns that you may be symptomatic, please stay home, keep cohabitants at home as well, and consult with a medical professional.

 

 

China Food Pantry to implement new procedures for safety

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The China Food Pantry at 1320 Lakeview Drive in China. (photo by Eric Austin)

During this medical emergency, we at the China Community Food Pantry want to do our best to protect our customers as much as we can while still providing our services to you.

Aside from frequent hand washing, social isolation is the most effect method of containing the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. We have decided that until the pandemic subsides on its own, we will limit the contact our customers have with one another and ourselves by providing premade boxes that we will deliver directly to your cars for both the weekly and the monthly programs.

When you arrive, please form a line on the shoulder of the road starting at the rock wall and extending back toward The Landing. It is important that you stay in your car to avoid contact with others. The line will move forward toward the front porch one car at a time.

When you reach the porch area, someone will come out to your car and ask if you are a China resident and whether you want your monthly box as well as your weekly box. The boxes will be brought out and placed in your car for you. We’re new to this so please, if you were not asked about the monthly box but are wanting one, let someone know. We want to ensure you have what you need.

We understand this is not as satisfactory as shopping for what you want, but this will only be a short-term change. We have every intention of going back to the way things have always been as soon as possible. Our goal right now is to protect you and help keep you healthy.

Thank you for your understanding.

China town manager presents plan on coronavirus

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I am writing today to inform you of steps the Town of China is taking and preparing to take, in the event of a coronavirus outbreak in our community. While the likelihood of such an event is quite low, we have been advised by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to have plans in place and to communicate with the public, staff, students, and parents, steps they may take to prevent the spread of this and other illnesses.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which has now been detected in 37 locations internationally, including the United States. The virus is named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes is named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). The United States reported the first confirmed instance of person-to-person spread with this virus on January 30, 2020. (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus.shtml)

What does the disease look like in humans?

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and/or cough and difficulty breathing. Sore throat is also reported in some patients. If you have these symptoms and did not recently travel to China or did not have contact with someone with 2019 Novel Coronavirus, it is likely to be a cold or the flu.

What is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease?

If you are sick you should stay home, cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands regularly. If you or your child, spouse or dependent has a fever, please keep them home until at least 24-hours after the fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medicines, such as acetaminophen. This standard is expected of staff, volunteers and committee and board members as well.

What can the town and schools do to help prevent the spread of this and other diseases?

Aside from educational memos such as this, and our work in the town and at school each day reminding visitors, residents, students, staff and volunteers of precautionary measures mentioned above, we are also determined to ensure that commonly touched surfaces throughout the schools, public spaces, and work areas (desktops, doorknobs, drinking fountains, etc.) are disinfected each day. We are also conferring monitoring guidance advisories from the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the US CDC as well as state and local medical and emergency management professionals to determine other steps we may take to assist in stopping this disease before an outbreak occurs.

What if there is an outbreak in our community?

If there is a local outbreak, school administrators will provide direction for China Middle and Primary schools and Erskine Academy. Decisions will likely be coordinated through the Maine CDC and will be based upon the percentage of students who are sick, and the likelihood of the disease to spread.

The Town Office, Public Works and Transfer Station will continue to provide services but may implement necessary restrictions to prevent communal spread of the disease. We are already coordinating with the Maine Municipal League to prepare for potential actions related to the Annual Town Meeting. We are adding a link to our town website to make it easier for residents to stay informed of the status of the disease.

Please know that, as of this morning, the Maine CDC website reports that, “Maine has no confirmed cases for 2019-nCoV and no patients under investigation at this time. Maine CDC is working with U.S. CDC to monitor the situation, provide healthcare providers with the latest information, and stay up to date on any potential cases they may see. There are ongoing investigations to learn more. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.” For more information on the situation, visit U.S. CDC’s COVID-19 situation summary webpage.

The best we can do at this time is remind everyone to stay home if sick, cover up any coughs or sneezes, wash hands regularly, and contact your doctor with any concerns or questions. If you or your family members are sick, please stay at home and/or check with your medical providers for care. Those at greatest risk are the elderly and others with pre-existing medical conditions that have weakened their immune systems.

Town and School officials will provide updates as new information or guidance is offered. This notice was last updated March 9, 2020. Significant portions of this communication are taken directly from the Maine CDC and US CDC websites.

/s/ Dennis L. Heath, CMM Town Manager

China Middle School JMG students awarded community grant

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Pictured is seventh grade students in JMG and representatives from Bar Harbor Bank and Trust; Jack Frost VP, Director of Community Giving (back left), and Nichole Lee, Branch Manager (front). (contributed photo)

China Middle School JMG and Bar Harbor Bank and Trust continue to strengthen their partnership. JMG was awarded a $500 Community Grant as seed funding for an empathy project, where students will learn the importance of philanthropy and community service. Students will research about nonprofit businesses, identifying businesses who serve youth in our communities.

An invitation to apply for funding will be sent to businesses chosen by the students. Businesses will be asked to present to students in the classroom about their organization and their needs to help better serve youth. To complete the project, students will vote on the business(s) that they would like to support.

The students thank Bar Harbor Bank and Trust for their continued support of the community and JMG.

Volunteer firefighters: answering the call to help neighbors

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Firefighters putting out the remainder of a fire on Rte. 3. (photo courtesy of Kevin Luczko)

by Sandra Isaac

“Vassalboro… stand by for a call.”

While sitting at my desk, working at my day job designing an ad for a client, I heard a call for Vassalboro Fire Department come over my fire pager/scanner. “Structure fire off route three. Barn Fire, visible flames.”

A few minutes later, the call was repeated.

I live in China, so it wasn’t my company’s call, but a barn fire? Were there animals involved? I started to pace a bit. I wanted to head out and help. After all, I wasn’t in a dress. I wasn’t in the shower. I wasn’t at a meeting. I was at home and able to go to the fire scene.  Then it happened.

“China Fire…stand by a call.”

Beep…Beep…Beep…Beep…

“Fully involved Barn Fire with explosions. Legion Park and Route 3.”

I saved my work and told my husband I would be going on the call. My equipment was already in the truck so I raced out the driveway.

Sandra Isaac’s father, back row, far left, a firefighter with the Ivyland, Pennsylvania, fire department. (photo courtesy of Sandra Isaac)

Being a first responder is in my blood. The Boyces (my maiden name) were Irish farmers that emigrated to the U.S. and landed in Philadelphia. My grandfather was a Philadelphia cop. My uncle Walt was the first certified EMT in New Jersey, and my father was a volunteer firefighter in our small home town of Ivyland, Pennsylvania, before he was diagnosed with Asbestosis (an illness related to his job as a pipe insulator in Philly.) I requested that the name on my fire turnout gear reflect my proud family history. ‘Boyce-Isaac’ is now on the back of my fire coat.

I sped towards the fire and pulled my truck aside for the China Village VFD Engine #34 as it headed down Lakeview Drive for Route 3. My red flashing strobe wasn’t working properly, but there was no time to fix it. I waited patiently for everyone to get out of my way. I parked, got into my turnout gear and dashed up the road to the fire scene.

The two-bay, oversized structure was already brought down by the fire and at this point, the fire companies were concerned with keeping the adjacent building safe and extinguishing the fire.

The first firefighter I saw on the scene was Kevin Luczko, my mechanic and a volunteer firefighter from Vassalboro. “Hey Kevin, how are you doing?” Kevin also left his job to help with the fire. He said, “I’m doing good, but I’ll be stuck here for a while. I drove the (fire) truck.” He pointed to where China Village Fire Chief Theriault was standing so I could check-in.

I received my Firefighter 1 certification in Bucks Country, Pennsylvania, and ran with the Midway Fire Company in Lahaska, Pennsylvania. After I moved to New Jersey in August 2001, I decided to join Hope Fire Company in Allentown, New Jersey, signing up the day after 9/11. During my time with Hope FD, became a certified EMT-B (basic). Once I moved to Maine, I knew I wanted to be active once again. This time, it was the conflicts within the town that inspired me. What better way to show your support then to volunteer your time, right?

Representatives from four companies had shown up at the scene: Vassalboro, Weeks Mills, China Village, South China. Chief Theriault greeted me by saying, “Get your gloves on and head over to see Ben.”

Ben Loubier is the assistant chief for China Village VFD, as well as a full-time firefighter for Winslow. Ben was located on (what was) the backside of the building. He was with a firefighter from another company and soaking a burned oil-tank and a charred mini-backhoe. “Grab the hose and back up (firefighter) Nivek (Boostedt),” he said. When you pull the handle on a fire hose nozzle, the force of the water pressure coming through the hose can set you off balance or even knock you over. Often times you will see two people manning a hose. The firefighter at the nozzle concentrates on the water and knocking down the fire. The second firefighter watches the first, as well as the overall surroundings, and where the hose is on the ground.

Nivek and I concentrated our efforts on the rear of the building. The walls had completely collapsed but were still smoldering. I could see what remained of a 250-gallon oil tank, a welding set up, a large older farm truck, a mini-backhoe, and a lot of bent and curled metal siding.  We were keeping water on the old farm truck and the oil tank. “Grab the hose and move toward the other side,” said Ben. “Concentrate on the backhoe.” We were often blinded by the wind blowing what appeared to be smoke, but in actuality, most of it was steam. The temperature was in the low 30s and between the heat of the burning wreckage and the cold water, we had a lot of white steam.

The mini-backhoe was still burning in its interior. We continued to drench it with water. Getting water to a fire is always an issue, so each department bringing a supply to the scene makes a difference. The ground was getting muddy from all the water and the warming sunshine. Firefighters wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), also called turnout gear. It is bulky and awkward and can weight over 25 pounds without additional equipment. Once it’s wet from spraying water and moisture in the air, it’s even heavier. It doesn’t take much for a firefighter to get tired, so Nivek and I switched positions and moved around the structure to get off the deepening mud.

The burned building was owned by Vannah Lawn Care. The business owner was on the scene and helped us move debris with a large excavator. This helped us out tremendously as it meant we didn’t have to dig and move material to make sure everything was extinguished.

Once the fire was officially declared out, we gathered up all of the mud-soaked hoses then drained and laid them back on their appropriate trucks. All the chiefs made sure their company’s gear was accounted for and we headed back to the station.

Once back, we signed the call log and talked about the fire. We were grateful to not have any hose to clean off. There was a lot of mud on the scene.

I laid my gear out to dry and repacked what I could. I was tired but like 90 percent of the other firefighters, I had to go back to work, but I did so with a smile on my face. Being part of the community means a lot to me. Helping my neighbors, contributing to the betterment of our area, and the camaraderie of the group are just a few reasons why I enjoy being a volunteer firefighter. So back to work and waiting for the next call to help. It’s only a question of when.

Four Seasons Club fishing derby big success

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China Village Fire Chief Tim Theriault displays the winning entries. (photo by Sandra Isaac)

by Sandra Isaac

The China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department held the first China Lake fishing derby on March 1, over 18 years since the area’s last fishing derby.

Over 80 people filled the fire department for the final look at the day’s winning catches, which included brown trout, brook trout, togue, large and smallmouth bass, and white perch. China Village Fire Chief Theriault did the official weighing in of the entries. Most of the day’s fish were caught in China Lake. The biggest catch of the day was a largemouth bass weighing over 5 pounds.

Winners in each category. (photo: China Four Seasons Club)

A young participant anxiously awaits the results of his catch. (photo by Sandra Isaac)

A couple of anglers patiently wait for the flag to indicate a catch. (photos by Sandra Isaac)

China voting results from March 3 presidential primary

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by Mary Grow

Two of the three candidates for the vacant seat on the China Board of Selectmen were separated by a single vote at the end of March 3 voting.

Town Clerk Becky Hapgood reported Janet Preston got 415 votes, Christopher Hahn 414 votes and Kevin Rhoades 299 votes. The votes were counted repeatedly, Hapgood said, to confirm the close result. If there is a recount, she hopes it can be done by March 6.

The new selectman will fill out Jeffrey LaVerdiere’s unexpired term, until China’s November local elections.

In other voting, Hapgood reported:

  • In the state-wide people’s veto referendum on the new state law limiting exemptions from vaccination requirements, 407 people voted yes (to repeal the law) and 851 voted no (to keep the law).
  • In the Democratic primary election, Joe Biden received 196 votes, Bernie Sanders 150, Elizabeth Warren 78, Michael Bloomberg 60, and Pete Buttigieg 11 (though he has ended his candidacy). Five other people on the ballot got fewer than 10 votes each, and two got no votes. Tulsi Gabbard is the only one of the seven still in the race.
  • In the Republican primary election, Donald Trump, unopposed on the ballot, received 425 votes.

Hapgood had not had time Tuesday evening to figure total turnout; it was more than 1,260, she said, and high enough so China ran out of some ballots and had to get approval from the Secretary of State’s office to make photocopies. About 30 new voters registered and about 100 enrolled in a party during polling hours, she said.

In China, first of two solar projects gets approval

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by Mary Grow

After a Feb. 25 public hearing that lasted only a minute because no one in the audience asked to testify, China Planning Board members approved the first of two solar projects near Route 3, with three conditions.

SunRaise Development LLC may place 17,800 3-by-5-foot solar panels on about 23 acres of Michael Willette’s 51-acre lot that includes his gravel pit. The land is off Windsor Road and Arnold Lane. (See The Town Line, Feb. 20)

SunRaise intends to apply for a second project farther east on Route 3. The application is likely to be submitted to either the March 10 or the March 24 Planning Board meeting.

Codes Officer Bill Butler said one other project is scheduled for each March meeting: on March 10, continued review of Jamie Nichols’ application for self-storage buildings on Vassalboro Road (see The Town Line, Feb. 6, here and here) and on March 24 consideration of an application for Phase Two of the causeway project at the head of China Lake’s east basin.

The Feb. 25 discussion of the solar project concluded that there will not be significant run-off from the site as long as the ground under the bottom edges of the solar panels is undisturbed and can retain water.

Project Manager Lisa Vickers and other SunRaise representatives said the panels will be near the ground, will face south and will have a non-glare coating to reduce visual impact. The property will be fenced; local firefighters will have the means to open the locked gate if necessary.

Once construction is done there should be no noise, dust or other disturbance from the panels. Construction is currently planned to start in November 2020 and finish in April 2021. Board member Toni Wall asked that construction truck drivers be made aware of hours when students at nearby Erskine Academy arrive and leave.

The solar panels will generate no solid waste or wastewater. The only potential hazard on the property will be the lithium ion batteries in small structures in the northeast corner. Because the field is partly over an aquifer, the application includes a spill control plan.

After voting the application was complete, planning board members evaluated it against the criteria in China’s Land Use Ordinance and found it fulfilled all requirements. They added the following conditions:

  • A surety bond to cover decommissioning costs, should SunRaise be unable to, is to be made watertight before the town permit is issued, with SunRaise to pay legal costs involved.
  • Butler needs a letter from South China Fire Chief Dick Morse saying he is satisfied department members are adequately trained and have access to the property.
  • In order to protect ground-nesting birds, the first of the two annual mowings cannot be done before July 15.

After the board decision, Chairman Tom Miragliuolo issued the usual reminder that there is a 30-day window during which the decision can be appealed.

Butler briefed board members on two other issues, one pending and one, he believes, resolved.

The first is a request from Ryan Willette, owner of Zippy’s Car Wash, on Vassalboro Road, to pave a small additional piece of the driveway and to install more outside lights. Board members agreed they should review the proposed lights for possible impacts on neighbors.

The second issue was maintenance of the porous pavers required to reduce runoff from the parking lot at the Route 3 Family Dollar store. Butler said after state environmental officials questioned whether the pavers really absorb water, he talked with store management and expects annual maintenance and regular reports.