CHINA: Comprehensive planning committee hopes to have final draft by year’s end

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by Mary Grow

Three members of China’s Comprehensive Planning Committee, plus Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) representative Joel Greenwood and Planning Board Chairman Tom Miragliuolo, spent the last evening in July talking about the updated China Comprehensive Plan that Greenwood hopes to have drafted by the end of the year.

As a basis, there are the existing plan and a map designating areas proposed for development; a summary of results from the visioning session held earlier this year; and a summary of comments emailed in response to a questionnaire from the Tax Increment Financing Committee.

The July 31 discussion focused on designating development areas. Those present tentatively decided:

  • There is no need to designate separate areas for commercial development and for residential development.
  • Many of the areas designated for residential development in the current plan have been pretty well filled with houses – and an occasional small business – since the plan was prepared more than a decade ago.
  • Since, according to KVCOG data, more China residents commute to Augusta than to Waterville, Oakland and Fairfield combined, encouraging residential growth in the south end of town rather than the north makes sense.
  • The Route 3 corridor from the Vassalboro line to a point some miles east of South China Village seems to be already a growth area, as does Route 32 South past the Weeks Mills Road intersection, so encouraging more development in those connected areas should be appropriate.

Greenwood emphasized that designating growth areas and drawing lines on maps is “not prescriptive, just idealistic” and is not intended to restrict development opportunities in town. Looking at where development has occurred since the current plan was approved, he and Miragliuolo agreed the plan had not been influential.

Any resident interested in joining the Comprehensive Planning Committee is welcome. More information is available at the town office. The next committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, with housing and historic resources on Greenwood’s preliminary agenda.

CHINA: Mills-Stevens to take over excavator negotiations from public works manager Reed

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by Mary Grow

The proposal to buy an excavator for China’s Public Works Department that has been on the selectmen’s agendas since June 10 is scheduled to appear again on August 19, under new management.

At the selectmen’s Aug. 5 meeting, board member Donna Mills-Stevens volunteered to renegotiate the proposed purchase with Chadwick- BaRoss, believing she can get better terms than Public Works Manager Shawn Reed did. Board Chairman Robert MacFarland expects her report in two weeks.

Reed hoped selectmen would approve the $172,850 price he had negotiated, including a trailer for the tracked Volvo machine and an extended warranty. He said Chadwick-BaRoss agreed to hold the price until Dec. 1, but not to guarantee the machine would not be sold to another customer while China officials debated (see The Town Line, July 25).

Mills-Stevens, a banker and co-operator of Stevens dairy farm, cited her experience in negotiating and in buying heavy equipment as she volunteered.

Selectmen rejected two other alternatives before letting Mills-Stevens take over. Ronald Breton’s motion to buy the excavator on the terms Reed presented received only Irene Belanger’s vote, with MacFarland, Breton and Jeffrey LaVerdiere opposed and Mills-Stevens unable to decide and recorded as abstaining. LaVerdiere’s motion to put the question on China’s November local ballot and let voters decide received his and Mills-Stevens’ votes, with the other three opposed.

After the final decision, Reed said he had “spent a lot of time and energy and effort on this,” trying “to do the best possible I could for the taxpayers.” His starting premise was that having a town-owned excavator instead of contracting for one would save money.

Now, he said, the selectmen could take over the project and he would focus on his other duties. Personally, he did not care what they decided; not owning an excavator would mean one less piece of equipment for which he was responsible.

On other public works topics, Reed reported most of the tools authorized to let new hire Josh Crommett do vehicle maintenance have arrived, and the work of removing beavers and their dams from the Bog Brook Road area continues.

The excavator discussion was interrupted by a parliamentary dispute. After Breton’s motion was made and seconded, Wayne Chadwick, the contractor whose excavator selectmen agreed to hire this year, asked to comment from the audience and MacFarland recognized him. Breton objected, saying by Robert’s Rules of Order audience members could participate in discussion until a motion was on the floor; then only board members could speak. Chadwick left the meeting.

When Breton returned to the topic before adjournment, Town Manager Dennis Heath said Breton was correct, and since the board adopted Robert’s Rules, members should follow them. However, he said, the rules are flexible: MacFarland could have asked the rest of the board to let Chadwick speak out of order.

Although the excavator will not – at least as of Aug. 5 – be on a Nov. 5 local ballot, selectmen accepted Heath’s recommendation that they ask voters another question: “Do they want to allow retail medical marijuana facilities in China?” The question Heath drafted asks if the current local ordinance prohibiting marijuana businesses should be amended to make an exception for medical marijuana businesses. (The single-page “Ordinance Prohibiting Retail Marijuana Establishments in China” is on the town website under “Ordinances, Policies and Orders.”)

China has one medical marijuana store, established before state law changed. Heath said it is grandfathered and would not be affected by a November vote. Under revised state laws China voters must “opt in,” that is, approve a local ordinance allowing such businesses, before any more can open. The planning board has one application on which it cannot act unless voters approve (see The Town Line, July 18).

Local elections will also be Nov. 5. Nomination papers are available at the town office for positions on the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Budget Committee and for one seat on the Regional School Unit #18 board.

In other business Aug. 5, Heath announced that Tracey Frost, China’s part-time police chief, has resigned due to lack of time. Craig Johnson, a retired Clinton police chief, will succeed Frost; Michael Tracy and Jordan Goulet will continue to serve China, Heath said.

Selectmen unanimously appointed Amber McAllister to the Tax Increment Financing Committee.

Belanger and others commented on the success of the China Days celebration August 2, 3 and 4. Heath commended the police department, and audience member Tom Michaud praised town office staff member Kelly Grotton for her well-organized management of the event.

LAKESMART: Jeanne Marquis and dad, Carl J. Stenholm

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Jeanne Marquis

Jeanne Marquis and her 94-year-old father, Carl John Stenholm, were recipients of the LakeSmart Award for their lake property on Fire Road 1, on China Lake. Marquis says their Maine property has been in their family since the late 1800s when her great-grandfather, John Benson Doe, returned from sheep ranching out west to purchase their red brick home on the Neck Road. China Lake continued to call this family back home for three generations just as it did for John Doe, even if it was just for the summers. Two years ago, Marquis and her father made a permanent move to their China Lake home as their year-round residence.

Marquis told us, “I am very grateful for the work the LakeSmart Program and the China Lake Association does to improve the quality of the lake and monitor the loon population. It’s encouraging to see the loons and the eagles return to this area for the generations ahead of us to enjoy.”

If you would like to schedule a LakeSmart visit please contact Marie Michaud at 207-242-0240 or by email at ChinaLakeSmart@gmail.com. The visit only takes around an hour. We will share lake friendly ideas for your property. We can offer Youth Conservation assistance to get any suggested lake-friendly ideas completed, too. Together we can help protect China lake for now and for the future.

See also:

LAKESMART: Geoff and Patricia Hargadon

China Town Office to have new hours beginning in the fall

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Dennis Heath, China town manager, has announced that following approval by the board of selectmen, the China Town Office will have new hours beginning November 1, 2019.

The office will be open Monday, from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tues., 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and the office will be closed Saturday and Sunday.

Alex Stewart builds shelter at Lincoln School in Augusta

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Alex Stewart, center, with his scout troop.

by Ron Emery, committee member

On Saturday, April 6, Troop #479 honored an Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor held at the China Baptist Church for Augusta resident Alex Stewart. Family, friends and Scouts attended the ceremony marking the advancement of this young man to the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

Alex Stewart

Alex joins a group of 40 Eagle Scouts from Troop #479 who have completed community service projects with the help of fellow Scouts and other volunteers throughout Kennebec Valley.  Each Eagle candidate must plan and supervise an Eagle service project to demonstrate his capacity and willingness to exert his leadership ability in activities that are constructive and worthwhile in his community.

Alex used his Eagle Project to give something back to his elementary school, Lincoln School. He collaborated with Jonathan Stonier, director of buildings and grounds for the Augusta School Department, to build a covered outdoor area in an underutilized space near the school. He received assistance from adult leaders and older Scouts as well as Custodian Brian Bolstridge the first two days of construction. He also received help from the younger Scouts on the third day to spruce up the grounds around the project with mulch, landscape rocks and several flower beds. He hopes the teachers and students will be able to use the structure as an outdoor learning station.

Also in attendance were Scoutmaster Scott Adams, to present the Eagle Scout Awards. Sean Stewart (Alex’ brother) gave the Eagle Scout Challenge and also asked Alex and other Eagle Scouts to reaffirm the Scout Oath.

Alex is a graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta, and lives with his parents, Greg and Kristina Stewart, in Augusta. He was on the Cony golf team. This summer he is working at Shaw’s, in Augusta, and will be pursuing a degree in engineering at the University of Maine in the fall.

Rémy Pettengill’s project benefits homeless veterans living at VA

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Cabin in the Woods photo of those who helped Rémy Pettengill with his project. Front, left to right, Aiden Pettengill, Bryson Pettengill, Danielle Pettengill, Rémy Pettengill, Kevin (homeless vet) and Don Hill. Back, Michael Boostedt, Kevin Boostedt, Darren Corson, Cole Corson, Lee Pettengill and Ron Emery. (contributed photo)

Rémy Pettengill’s Eagle Service Project was to make 50 Hygiene Care Packages for distribution to the Togus veterans. These Care Packages consisted of a handmade zippered bag filled with items donated or purchased such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, denture adhesive, shampoo and conditioner, soap, razors, shaving cream, mouthwash, and nail clippers. Each bag was labeled for a man or woman and the items were listed on a tag attached to each bag to help with the packaging and distribution.

During the project, one evening was set aside for older scouts and leaders to cut out the material using a pattern for the hygiene bags. Another evening was for sorting out the donated toiletry supplies and filling the hygiene care packages. Rémy provided the leadership and instructions.

On Sunday, July 21, the Scouts and leaders were invited to assist the wheelchair veterans in getting to the church service. After the service, Togus invited the group to have lunch prior to delivering the hygiene bags to each veteran residing in the Cabins in the Woods. Rémy distributed the bags to the Scouts for delivery with help from Dan Hill, the Ma­sonic Service Asso­cia­tion Rep­resen­tative for Togus.

Rémy first got involved with the veterans by way of the Masons. He went to Togus with the Masons to push the wheelchair-bound veterans down to their church service. While talking to Hill he learned that some of the veterans were not provided with the basic necessities to keep them healthy. Rémy thought he could help provide the toiletries for the brave men and women who served our country. With this in mind, he started planning his Eagle Service Project.

Rémy, 13, is the son of Lee and Danielle Pettengill, of South China, and will be entering the eighth grade at China Middle School this fall.

Sheepscot Lake Association holds 2019 annual meeting

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Board member Joe Burke, standing, addresses the Sebasticook Lake Association members at their annual meeting. (contributed photo)

On Wednesday, July 24, the Sheepscot Lake Association (SLA) held its annual meeting at the Fish and Game Club on the lake. The meeting was preceded by a potluck supper and a great meal was enjoyed. During the meeting, the following topics were discussed:

  • Courtesy boat inspection: Again this year, SLA has hired two boat inspectors to work on Saturdays and Sundays throughout July and August. These inspectors check all boats at the launch to protect the lake against milfoil and other invasive plants. However, it is incumbent on all boat owners to check their boats prior to every launch and pull, especially if they have been boating in other lakes. Invasive plants can cause serious damage to the ecosystem of the lake if not found and removed. Remedial action can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to attempt control of the infestation.
  • Water quality: The SLA board continues to test the water quality of the lake on a regular basis using a Secchi Disk and scope. Sheepscot Lake consistently yields a transparency of 16.1 feet which is outstanding. In addition to testing with the Secchi Disk, surface grabs are done three to four times a year to measure the total phosphorus which averages seven ppb, another great reading. Dissolved oxygen meter readings have also remained in the target area. Fortunately, there also has never been any algal blooms in the lake!
  • Loon Count: Each year they participate in conjunction with the Maine Audubon Society in an organized loon count. This year the count of loons was six, including one chick. As always, lake users are urged to exercise caution when they see loons on the lake, and never approach a nesting loon. They are the treasures of the lake and of Maine’s while serving us as an early warning of lake quality problems.
  • LakeSmart: SLA continues to participate with the Maine State Department of Environmental Protection Agency to implement the Lakesmart program. Created in 2003 to minimize human impact on lake quality, the LakeSmart team will inspect lakefront properties at no cost to the homeowner to evaluate your property’s impact on lake health and provide recommendations on steps you can take to ensure your home is Lake smart! If you are interested in participating in an evaluation please contact Maria O’Rourke, SLA board member at Sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com .
  • Status of legislative activity: As you know, LD922, the legislation aimed at reintroducing alewives and sea lamprey to Sheepscot Lake fortunately was pulled in 2018. There is no further legislation at this time. Should there be any future efforts to do so, at the expense of the health of our lake and existing fish population, SLA as well as our supportive town members will continue to fight any efforts and keep you informed.
  • Palermo Days: SLA will be attending the Palermo Days parade as well as displaying a gorgeous basket of Maine treats for raffle on August 10. Please stop by to say hi and buy a raffle ticket if you’re there!

Contributed photo

Finally, following the annual meeting, the board met to elect officers for the next year. Gary Miller, founding member of the Sheepscot Lake Association, who has served as president for the last eight years, and will remain on the board for one remaining year. The members thank Gary for his amazing efforts as president and all the hard work he has done over many years. Transitioning to president is Slater Claudel. In total, there are nine active members on the board, serving in various roles to keep all the programs active and healthy. They are currently search for a secretary for the association. This does not require being a member of the board. If you are interested, please contact Carolyn Viens at Sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com

If you have not yet joined the Sheepscot Lake Association and are interested, or if you have not yet paid your 2019-2020 dues, they would love to hear from you! By Mail: Sheepscot Lake Association, PO Box 300, Palermo, Maine 04354. By email: Sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Find Resources For Social Security Disability Beneficiaries Who Want To Work

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(NAPSI)—When Laura set a goal of becoming a certified orthotist and prosthetist to help people who, like her, experienced limb loss, she was concerned that earning the income she would need to afford the necessary training and education would affect her Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from Social Security. But working with Social Security’s Ticket to Work (Ticket) program and using other Social Security Work Incentives helped her create a path to success.

Ticket to Work Program

The Ticket program supports career development for people age 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits, either SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, participants select a service provider to help them prepare for and find a job.

If you, like Laura, have a career goal and receive Social Security disability benefits, whether it’s SSI or SSDI, you might have questions about how work will affect your benefits. The Ticket program can help you find the answers.

From the Comfort of Your Own Home

Free, monthly Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinars offer you the opportunity to learn from the comfort of your home. Each month, the Ticket program team discusses the supports and services that are available through the program and shares resources that can help you on the path to financial independence through work.

You will learn about Work Incentives and discover how you can transition to the workplace without immediately losing your Medicare and/or Medicaid and, in some cases, your cash payments from Social Security. Each month, presenters also explain how you can access free supports and services such as career planning, job placement assistance and ongoing employment support. You can also find information and ask questions about different types of work goals, including starting your own business, working for the federal government or planning for financial independence once you start earning income.

WISE webinars are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. You can learn about this month’s topic and register online at https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise. Or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1 (866) 968-7842 or 1 (866) 833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Learn more about Laura and others who have used the Ticket program to succeed by visiting https://choosework.ssa.gov/success-stories.

Larry Brown inducted to Cal Ripken Hall of Fame

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Waterville coach Larry Brown, center holding plaque, was recently inducted into the Cal Ripken Baseball Hall of Fame. The group includes Coach Brown’s former players and coaches, Spencer Brown, Wyatt Gradie, Ben Foster, Garrett Gendreau, Gage Hibbard, Alex Spaulding, Pete Sack, Brendan Roderick, Dustin Hunter, Kody Vallee, Rick Gradie, Wayne Gendreau. (photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography)

CHINA: Nomination papers available

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China Town Clerk Becky Hapgood announced that nomination papers for local elective offices are available. Signed papers are due at the town office by closing time Sept. 6 for names to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

People whose terms end this year are Selectmen Irene Belanger and Robert MacFarland; Planning Board members Kevin Michaud (District One) and Ralph Howe (District Three, appointed in June to fill out an unexpired term); Budget Committee members Robert Batteese (chairman), Kevin Maroon (District One) and Wayne Chadwick (District Three). The Planning Board alternate at-large seat, currently vacant, is also due to be filled this year.