Windsor select board recommends abolishing Conservation Commission Committee

by The Town Line staff

At their October 22 meeting, the Windsor Select Board voted unanimously to recommend a warrant article to abolish the Conservation Commission Ordinance at the June 2024 town meeting.

Adrian Prindle, chairman of the Conservation Commission Committee reported they were going through the process of the ordinance and there is legal technology within the ordinance that is confusing and is causing the committee members to have many questions..

The conservation commission committee members are entertaining to have the ordinance abolished and then create a Belle Grove Parke Advisory Committee. The same members of the conservation commission would want to be part of the Belle Grove Parke Advisory Committee and would submit by-laws/rules.

They are meeting on Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m., and will suggest the process of forming a new group. Chester D. Barnes Jr. said the legal terms of this ordinance are for them to maintain a list of wetlands public and private property and he feels the town does not have the authority to do that, commenting, “We are not DEP.”

In other business:

– Town Manager Theresa Haskell said she has two letters from the assesdor’s agent regarding abatements and an abatement denial. The board approved an abatement in the amount of #3,761.88 for errors in building valuations for the Hysom, Shelia, heirs of $439; Carver, Ryan and Loralee of $958.62; Castle, Marcella and Collins, Matthew of $701.04; Bradbury, Joseph and Debra of $153.74 and Shorey, Timothy of $851. The board also approved the recommendation of the assessor’s agent for the denial at 139 Casey Road which lacks supportive documentation to substantiate what the assessment should be and is unclear as to how they calculated the reduced assessment.
– Public Works Supervisor Keith Reed reported on multiple issues with town trucks. He said the new truck was shipped November 14. Also, truck #5 needed to have transmission lines replaced at a cost of $3,000; when asked about what the future is going to bring for plow truck drivers, he said everyone that drives wants $30-plus per hour. He said, “we’ll have to go with what we have since we have not had many applicants.”

On the backhoe, locking pins, control switch and wiring had to be replaced at a cost of around $2,000.

– It was reported the medical marijuana petition will need to be formally voted and denied by the select board and for them to state the reason. The Maine Municipal Association recommends that it’s OK to have an ordinance ready before any vote. It was approved by the board on Select board member Allison Whynot’s motion to deny the petition as the wording is not a specific warrant question.
– Haskell handed out an updated Windsor Educational Foundation and Reed Fund Statment of Investment Policy for the select board to review until tne next meeting, and having someone from Kennebec Wealth Management attend the meeting as well.
– Haskell said the June 30, 2023, audit is complete and will be receiving the final audit soon.
– Finally, Haskell received a request from Aaron Ready to allow his truck to be parked in the town’s parking lot because he comcommutes to his job at Bath Iron Works with another driver. The select board said they had no issue at this point but would suggest they do not utilize the parking lot during snowstorms.

The next meeting of the select board was held on November 5.

PHOTO: RSU#12 takes part in Special Olympics bowling event

Representing RSU #12 (Palermo, Chelsea, Windsor, Whitefield) with pride, students competed in a local Special Olympics bowling event. These students gave their best effort and demonstrated the values of perseverance, teamwork, and determination. This annual event brought together athletes from across the region to compete, make new friends, and celebrate their achievements.Their participation in the Special Olympics bowling event showcases the district’s commitment to inclusion and highlights the extraordinary talents within the RSU #12 community. Pictured, front row, from left to right, Anderson Hines, Elias Vashon, Draven Ruby, Jayden Clark, Aria Goethe, Christina Bell, and Holly Morgan. Back row, Kynlee Staples, Allison Storm, Tara Delisle, Lincoln Heiss, Liam Brown, and Mark Leavitt. Absent, Isabelle Zarate. (Contributed photo)

CAMPAIGN 2024: Candidates address issues concerning Maine voters (Part 4)

LETTERS: Swift has deep roots in Maine

To the editor:

I urge you to vote for Pam Swift in House District 62, China, Windsor, Somerville and Hibberts Gore.

Pam trusts you. She knows you and your doctor will make the best decisions for you and your health. She knows that you can prepare for your children’s futures by helping them understand what they find in their school libraries, public libraries and on the Internet.

As a retired physician, Pam knows how important it is for you to have access to healthcare and affordable medicine. As a farmer she knows how important locally produced healthy food is to your family and how much small farms matter to your community.

Pam has deep roots in Maine and will fight for what Maine a great place to live.

Please vote for Pam Swift, candidate for House District #62.

Kathy Kellison
Windsor

Windsor select board deals with cannabis petition, local tax abatements

by The Town Line staff

The Windsor Select Board dealt with a number of issues at their September 24, meeting.

Town Clerk Kelly McGlothlin updated the select board on the petition for cannabis that they wanted to include on the November 5 ballot. McGlothlin stated she found things within the petition that were inconsistent, with what could be to correct and sufficient, that would allow the petition to move forward to the November ballot. The town clerk also noted the petition was submitted too late for the upcoming election. She explained her additional findings to the select board, and it would be up to them if they wanted to place an article on the June 2025 ballot. The select board decided more discussion will be needed when the entire select board is present. Board chairman William Appel Jr. will have a discussion with the petitioner and extend another invitation to a select board meeting.

After several residents complained their bank appraisal and the appraisal from KRT were very far apart, the board acted on 2024-25 tax year abatements. They suspended as the select board and convened as the board of assessors.

By unanimous votes, the board, at the the recommendation of Nichole Stenberg, Windsor’s Assessor’s Agent, approved tax abatements for Bryan Bolstridge in the amount of $6.44; Rose and Douglas Fraser ($230); Angela and Steve Brochu ($49.68); Mark and Dorothy Lapointe ($2,194.20); Bryan Stefanie Lewis and Jonathan McCaslin ($512.44); Marvin and Kim Clark ($1,438.88); David Shaw ($3,044.28); Malarie and Darin Clark ($1,438.88); and Karen S. Finley ($3,044.28).

The select board encouraged residents who have questions to bring their information to Stenberg. Town Manager Theresa Haskell also stated that even if someone has questions about their tax assessment, they should still pay at least their first half of the tax bill so there are no interest fees that accrue.

In other business:

Following a submitted price for three 120V outlets at the town hall, of $1,754 from J&M Electric, the board unanimously approved putting the job out to bid or getting other estimates.
Arthur Strout, speaking on behalf of the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, appeared before the board to answer any question they may have in regard to the installation of a heat pump at the station. He stated the central air conditioning is broken and beyond repair. He said they used a window air conditioner this past summer, and that a heat pump could be used, not only as air conditioning, but also for supplemental heat since the building uses radiant heat.

Two quotes have been submitted: $4,074. 28 from M. A. Haskell, and $4,950 from C. B. Haskell. Following an offer from Steve Plourde, the select board agreed to move money from the WVFD building reserve fund account not to exceed $2,350 for Plourde to install a heat pump head and other materials (condenser and labor to be donated) in the meeting room at the fire station.

The board approved three junkyard applications to Millard Nickerson c/o Lisa Taylor, Allen Rogers and Stanley Pelletier.
The board also approved updating the retirement plan documents as recommeneded by Stephanie Hunter, from Corbridge (Valic), at a cost of $750.
The board accepted the $16,900 bid from McGee Construction for the 2016 Terrastar. They also accepted a bid from McGee for 2024-25 plowing at $175 per hour for 250 hours, for a total of $43,750. The town had budgeted $43,500. Haskell noted there are places in the budget to make up the difference.

The next select board meeting was scheduled for October 8.

CAMPAIGN 2024: Candidates address issues concerning Maine voters (Part 1)

WINDSOR: Lengthy discussion on police presence in town

by The Town Line staff

One of the major topics at the August 13 meeting of the Windsor Select Board was the presence, or lack thereof, of state police in town.

Sheriff Ken Mason of the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that over the years state police have been seen less patrolling within the town of Windsor and surrounding towns. The sheriff’s departmenthas been back filling with more units to cover the area. Town Manager Theresa Haskell said she knows the town of China and other towns use Kennebec County Sheriff’s deputies for additional patrols. Mason noted that some towns, large and small, do budget it and they offer that service. William Appel Jr. asked Mason about his opinion regarding a constable. That subject was briefly discussed.

In other business, Dr. Timothy Pieh presented a handout and reviewed information about the MD3 pilot program for Kennebec County. There was a lengthy presentation about the program and what it has offered surrounding communities in the past eight months. Dr.Pieh reviewed the number of call, the types of calls they respond to and how it has impacted the communities, rescue teams and the hospitals.

There was discussion about the Landworks Lane signs on Griffin Road. Public Works Supervisor Keith Hall showed the sign to the select board. Darcy and Alan Aronson approved the sign and placement, as did the select board.
Haskell noted that Allison Chase, who currently works at the transfer station will be stepping up as intrim supervisor.
Haskell handed out the monthly transfer station report. July was up from last year at this time by $989.90, making the overall total $9,821.80.
The town received a check from Grimmel Industries in the amount of $1,090 for metal reimbursement.
Theresa Haskell was appointed primary for KVCOG Assembly and Chester D. Barnes to be alternate for KVCOG Assembly.
Chester D.Barnes Jr. and Thomas McNaughten were revoked as Conservation Commission Committee members when it was discovered the members of the select board could not be members of the commission, per ordinance. However, they can still represent the select board as members of the committee.
The select board is in favor of the bike club to set up a collection area somewhere in the parking lot to collect coats, hats, and mittens.
There will be a meeting held on Monday, September 16, to discuss the proposed Mineral Extraction Ordinance. The performance bond for Coutt’s WindsorSolar LLC was discussed briefly. Windsor resident Tom Reed asked if there was a decommision plan in place for the solar farm. The answer was yes.
Select board member Andrew Ballantyne reported he received an email stating that the town of Windsor is being considered as part of a series title “Best Manager Cities in Maine, under 10,000 population. He stated it is quite an accomplishment and will be displayed in magazines throughout Maine.
Ballantyne also mentioned the outside classroom building at the Windsor elementary School still needs to be finished. He is always happy to help and would love to see other parents or community members pitch in and help. The information he has been given states the building needs roofing donw, and the supplies are on site.
William Appel Jr. asked about some messages pertaining to marijuana that had been posted on the Windsor Community page on Facebook. In short, Moira Teekema responded by saying residents who have questions should attend a select board meeting with questions and concerns.
The new public works truck has been purchased for $72,716. The town should gain possession of the vehicle in November.

Window Dressers create affordable window inserts

Volunteers hard at work assembling insulated window inserts. (photo by Roberta Barnes)

by Roberta Barnes

Our nights becoming chilly is a reminder to begin preparing for winter.

One of the first places to focus on is your windows.

While replacement energy efficient windows might not fit into your budget, insulating window inserts are affordable and assembling them with others can be enjoyable.

Last November I was one of the people who, after having windows measured by volunteers from WindowDressers, joined others like me, and volunteers, from China, Vassalboro, Windsor and Albion at the Vassalboro Mill to assemble insulating window inserts.

Together we securely assembled wooden frames, covered each side of the frame with strong clear plastic, and added foam edges.

The strong plastic securely sealed on all sides of the frame forms the pocket of insulating air that can help to keep your home warm.

While completing each insulating window insert requires the correct equipment, materials, instruction, and time, the atmosphere was so enjoyable that people volunteered for extra shifts.

This year the location in Vassalboro has changed and there is also a location in Waterville which can be seen on the WindowDressers website.

Today you can either request window inserts by filling out the form online on the website https://windowdressers.org/ or sign up to volunteer.

In Maine you can also call (207) 596-3073. The deadline for signing up for inserts is September 15, 2024.

The cost for these insulting window inserts is kept affordable by the donations and volunteers helping to assemble the inserts.

You can estimate the cost of the inserts on the windowdressers.org website. There is also a low or no-pay Special Rate Program where you pay what you can afford.

You can discuss paying for your inserts with the person or people from WindowDressers when they come out to measure the windows.

There may be a limit of 10 inserts for this Special Rate Program.

The deadline for signing up to receive the window inserts for this winter 2024/2025 is September 15, 2024.

It is best if you go online today at https://windowdressers.org/, or call (207) 596-3073. Doing this can help you keep the chilly air outside your windows and enjoy being one of the people assembling the inserts in a friendly upbeat atmosphere.

(photo by Roberta Barnes)

Windsor benefit concert

Photo by Roberta Barnes

by Roberta Barnes

When was the last time you enjoyed a live concert put on by experienced, highly-skilled musicians and singers for a worthy cause?

Friday evening, August 16, a concert upstairs in the Windsor Town Hall was a musical tribute paid to the life and music of Nat King Cole. The enjoyable music the Downeast Brass Quintet played is part of this country’s musical history.

This concert, with superb music and narrations on the life of Nat King Cole, born in 1919, was free. The donations jar on the table near the entrance was for the Maine Lung Association. The musicians donated their time and talents. This was an excellent way to celebrate the American Lung Association’s 120th anniversary.

Nat King Cole (Nathaniel Adams Cole) the American singer, jazz pianist, and actor who made television history in 1956, unfortunately, was a smoker. In 1965 at the height of his stardom, when he was only 45 years old, lung cancer ended his life.

The concert began at 7 p.m., but musicians were present doing sound checks around 6 p.m. Andy Foster, on trumpet and sang, Peter Suart, on trumpet, Dwight Tibbetts, on trumpet and piano, Rick Gadway, on trumpet, Loren Fields, on French Horn and sang. Michael Peterson, on trombone, Erica Scarano, on tuba, Andrea Buckland, on banjo and guitar, Richard LaChance, on percussion, and Dakota Ryder, who sang, made up the group of skilled and experienced musicians.

The concert began with background piano music while Marianne Tibbets gave the first of several short narrations on the life and career of Cole. She also managed the slides appearing on a large screen that related to the narrations she gave.

One of the first songs in the concert, Straighten up and Fly Right, written by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills, became part of the soundtrack in a 1943 movie and was the first of vocal hits for the King Cole Trio.

Each narration was followed by songs selected from Cole’s hits. Most of those attending could feel their body naturally moving, if only a hand or foot, with rhythm of the music that filled the town hall. Each song was followed with smiles, clapping by those attending, and at the end of the two-hour concert a standing ovation.

At some time you no doubt have heard the phrase “Route 66”. One of the songs played was, Get Your Kicks on Rte. 66, which became the iconic American road song first recorded in 1946.

When Tibbetts was explaining that in the 1950s Cole emerged as a popular solo performer she introduced Ron Marlowe, who lives in Maine. He shared that in 1950 he happened to be in the same building where Cole was practicing. Cole came to the floor where he was and gave him and another boy musical tips. On the table near the door was a photograph of Ron and another boy standing on either side of Cole.

One of the songs in the concert was Cole’s version of Mona Lisa, released in 1950. In the middle of this selection Ryder and another woman did a dance routine to the musical beat. This produced extra smiles and clapping from those attending.

The concert ended with a selection of Cole’s music different than his jazz. The song, Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer, was Cole’s final top ten hit.

Following the standing ovation at the end of the concert everyone enjoyed refreshments provided by Windsor’s Ladies Aid. They were a varied selection of snack foods and beverages designed to fit different people’s diet restrictions.

The amazing music of the evening gave such positive energy that no one was in a hurry to leave.