WINDSOR: Listing all ways to state would be large undertaking
/0 Comments/in News, Windsor/by Website Editorby The Town Line staff
Town manager Theresa Haskell informed the Windsor Select Board at their April 25 meeting about a bill pending before the Legislature, LD461, that if implemented, would require municipalities to develop or update a list of town ways, private ways, and private roads. Each municipality will have to have this provided to the Department of Transportation by November 1, 2023, and the towns would have to establish standards for private road construction by November 1, 2024. “This is a lot of work,” Haskell commented. Also, LD1177 would increase municipal solid waste and construction debris $5 more per ton.
Haskell also said she received a letter from the Department of Transportation indicating that All State Asphalt will be resurfacing Route 105 from Augusta to Somerville.
In other business, Haskell asked the board to use the remainder of ARPA funds that were approved for up to $35,000 for the Windsor Rescue’s Defibrillator, to purchase a battery for this defibrillator. The cost for the battery is $440.44, and this will not go over the $35,000 that was approved by voters.
Regarding public works projects, Haskell gave an update on bridge inspections. Overall, the bridges are in good condition. All the scores were reported back from the inspections as 7 and 8 for culverts and the channels. The scale for scoring goes from a 9 being very good to a 2 being poor.
The hazardous waste program day that was held at the China transfer station on April 22 was a big hit, according to Sean Teekema, transfer station supervisor. There were tons of TVs brought in. It was mentioned several times by the public that they would like to see this become a yearly event. The total community turnout was between 320-350. The town of China is in discussions with KennebecValley Council of Governments (KVCOG) to perhaps keep this as an ongoing event, and they are seeking other locations that may work better for traffic flow, although consensus among officials is that the China event was very well organized.
Teekema gave a brief update on the transfer station committee. It was noted they may need a 100-foot distance from the transfer station cap to where the compost pile will be located. When a measurement was taken, 100 feet would end in the middle of the cap. This would not provide enough room for the compost area. Tekeema mentioned that a conversation has taken place with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and were told there is no issue with a 100-foot distance. A survey asking residents if they favor having composting available at the Windsor Transfer Station will not be circulated until the 100-foot question has been answered.
Haskell mentioned the town needs to talk with the Windsor Fair Association to get permission regarding composting. It was suggested if this is something the town should ask, as to whether this will be built into the lease that Windsor holds, with the $1 lease agreement, or at least getting a confirmation letter if they approve. Members of the Windsor Fair Association will be invited to attend a transfer station committee meeting.
Sandra Grecenko appeared before the board to rqeust a 911 address for her Barton Road property, in Windsor. She owns property on the road but has no residence there. She keeps livestock there, although there is a structure, just no residence. The property has no utilities other than power. She was advised to set up an appointment with Codes Enforcement Office Arthur Strout.
Select board member Ray Bates is following up on the David Shaw property. Shaw came to the select board asking to have fines reduced and was given an opportunity to pay a reduced fine back in February at a considerable reduction. He was given 30 days to pay the reduced fine and instructed to clean up his property. Bates wanted to be sure the follow up was being done. He said neither fine payment nor clean-up have taken place. Haskell confirmed that CEO Strout has been following up and had begun the next steps. The town will also consult with legal counsel as necessary.
The next Windsor Select Board meeting was scheduled for May 9.
Windsor students are top 10 seniors at Maine Arts Academy
/0 Comments/in Community, School News, Windsor/by Website EditorMaine Arts Academy recognizes all 41 graduates of the class of 2023, according to a news release from Diane Manter at the academy. Among the class’s top ten seniors are Alexis Scott, who was second, and Alyssa Gagne, who was third, both of Windsor.
Graduation will be Thursday, June 1, at the Augusta Civic Center.
Windsor select board addresses public works, transfer station concerns
/0 Comments/in News, Windsor/by Website Editorby The Town Line staff
At the April 11 meeting of the Windsor Select Board, attendees discussed various town topics, including the Public Works department, the Transfer Station, the Cemetery Sexton, and the Town Manager’s items.
Public Works Supervisor Keith Hall reported the department would start stripping trucks of plow gear in about a week. They still have some salt left over, and the heat in the garage has been turned off. They are currently cleaning up roads and intersections want to make roadways as safe as possible for the public during the warmer weather.
The department is working with Town Manager Theresa Haskell on an MMA grant valued at almost $3,000. If granted, the funds would be used for new safety equipment for public works. Roadside mowing is still to be done, and the roadside mowing contract will go out to bid again.
Sean Teekema, the Transfer Station Supervisor, reported there has been community interest regarding the Windsor Transfer Station offering composting on-site. The select board proposed reconvening the transfer station committee to meet and discuss several things, including the startup of a composting program on-site at the transfer station. The board wants the committee to bring thoughts and ideas back to the select board as soon as possible. The meeting was scheduled for April 18, at 6 p.m.
The select board also discussed hiring a transfer station attendant, which has been posted on the town of Windsor website and is being advertised on the sign at the town office. The monthly transfer station report was handed out, and it was noted that March was down from last year by $1,575.40, making the overall number under $1,988.79 for the year.
Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry spoke about the troubles she has had getting the cemetery website together and making it user-friendly for the public. She spoke of roadblocks she has encountered with the current web host, IPower. Perry asked the select board to change the current hosting company to Dummy Solutions, owned by Windsor resident Dustin Hinds, who has volunteered his previous hours in helping with the website. Hinds offered a 10-hour bundle rate for service at $50 an hour, and he has already paid for a software widget plug-in. The total cost for the hosting package and set up from an existing provider plus 30 minutes a month of professional in-service is $824.08.
After discussion, William Appel Jr. made a motion to approve Dummy Solutions as the new website host for Windsor Town Office.
Haskell gave an update on the RSU #12 meeting. There had been revised calculations reported that made an impact on the original figures that RSU#12 Superintendent Howard Tuttle presented at the March 28 select board meeting. One of the biggest impacts was that the Maine Department of Education ED279 had errors. The new figures are good news for Windsor townspeople. The RSU #12 district budget meeting will be held on May 24 at Chelsea Elementary School, at 6 p.m., and the community is encouraged to attend.
Daniel West, a resident of Windsor, presented himself to the select board as a potential member of the planning board. Andrew Ballantyne made a motion to appoint West as an alternate planning board member, seconded by Richard H. Gray Jr., and approved $1,166 to the Cemetery Fund for the Windsor Veterans Memorial Fund.
Finally, the meeting concluded with some select board items. Ray Bates mentioned having Joel Greenwood at Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) look into legislative bills LD2003 and LD2014 to see if they would pertain to Windsor, while nothing was reported for the Town Hub.
Windsor select board discusses composting, animal control
/0 Comments/in News, Windsor/by Website EditorAlso review proposed improvements to local cemetery
by The Town Line staff
The Windsor Select Board discussed a variety of topics during its March 28 meeting, including a proposed composting project, the introduction of the town’s animal control officer, and improvements to the local cemetery.
The board heard a presentation by Emmett Appel and his classmates regarding a composting project for the Windsor Transfer Station. Appel and his team argued that composting could save the town money by reducing waste transport costs and provide residents with access to compost for personal use. No new equipment would be needed, and the transfer station’s backhoe could be used to move the compost pile. For a compost pile under 10,000 cubic yards, no permits or testing would be required. The select board thanked the presenters and said more discussion was needed.
In other news, Animal Control Officer Kim Bolduc-Bartlett introduced herself and provided her contact information for residents with questions or concerns. She also reported there were 37 unregistered dogs in Windsor. Animal Control can be reached at (207)242-5185.
State Representative Katrina Smith presented Theresa Haskell with a Spirit of America Foundation Award on behalf of the 131st Legislature and the people of Maine. The award recognizes Haskell’s contributions to promoting volunteerism and appreciation of community service.
Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry requested that $4,000 be moved from the Cemetery Maintenance Budget line to help build a three-foot wall behind the Veterans Monument. The total cost of the wall is $9,610.65, with work expected to begin in June. The board unanimously approved the motion. Additionally, Dwight Tibbetts from Down East Brass plans to host a concert in August 2023 to raise funds for the Windsor Veterans Memorial.
During an RSU #12 update, Superintendent Howard Tuttle handed out a packet of information to the select board, emphasizing the importance of the district budget meeting on May 24, 2023, at Chelsea School.
A member of the public expressed frustration with the lack of online access to Windsor’s Policies & Ordinances and tax cards, a concern echoed by Joyce Perry, who said she was working on finding a solution.
Lastly, the board approved the names of three new roads in the Blueberry Haven subdivision, decided to reimburse residents Deborah Tanner and Richard Hanson for a transfer of excise tax issue, and agreed to keep the Windsor Town Office open during lunch hours starting April 3, 2023.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
LETTERS: Kudos to everyone involved
/0 Comments/in Letters to the Editor, Windsor/by Website EditorTo the editor:
I’d like to express my thanks and appreciation to all those folks who made the Regional Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste collection on April 22 happen. It appears that KVCOG had a leadership role, as did the various town select boards. It also appears there were employees and volunteers from many different towns participating. Further, I would like to thank the Town of China for hosting this event.
I feel that this was an important opportunity for proper disposal for various chemicals and to reduce pollution. In addition, this event seemed to be extremely well organized, safe, and efficient.
Should The Town Line do a follow up article giving the “stats”, I for one would look forward to reading it!
Again, thanks and kudos,
David W. Landmann
Windsor
WINDSOR – Appel Jr.: School budget is up 10.8 percent
/0 Comments/in News, Windsor/by Website Editorby The Town Line staff
At the March 14 meeting of the Windsor Select Board, William Appel Jr., a member of the select board, reported the school budget is up 10.8 percent. Town Manager Theresa Haskell added this could be up as much as $500,000, according to her calculations. Howie Tuttle, superintendent of RSU #12, was scheduled to present the 2023-24 school budget to the select board at their March 28 meeting.
Resident Chester Barnes Jr. informed the select board that he spoke with a service technician at Togus VA who would be willing to do the service inspection of the lift at the town hall. Barnes will pass along contact information and have him reach out to Haskell.
Barnes also told the board of an off-road ATV that will soon be retired from the VA and going up for auction. The select board asked that Barnes pass this information along to the fire department as they are the ones looking for this equipment.
Barnes also spoke of stump work that his dad may be interested in removing next to Dyer Hill Cemetery and possibly adding gravel in exchange for donation of land to extend the cemetery.
In other business, Haskell announced the town did receive a check from Time Warner in the amount of $14,361.84 for the yearly franchise fee.
- Pay Pal Giving Fund gave a check to the Windsor Educational Foundation in the amount of $14.63.
- She has not heard anything more regarding the new Delta contract from the town’s attorney. Select board member Ronald Brann reported he received information that Jefferson Rescue Service, who get their rescue services out of Damariscotta and Waldoboro, pay $220,000 a year.
- Road supervisor Keith Hall was told both MSW cans were ful, the demo can was also full, and there is a hydraulic leak. Hall and Tim Coston called to confirm the cans will be picked up, cleaned up around the cans and the hydraulic leak will fixed.
Haskell then went over the remaining administration warrant articles and non-property tax revenue.
The next Windsor Select Board meeting was scheduled for March 28.
WINDSOR: Cemetery sexton seeks to upgrade computer software
/0 Comments/in News, Windsor/by Website Editorby The Town Line staff
Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry informed the Windsor Select Board, at their February 14 meeting, that she has been researching information regarding software for the cemeteries. The costs have ranged up to $6,000. There are several different companies and she recently talked with Julie Finley, from China, regarding a Crypt Keeper program which is what they use. To use this program, there is a one-time fee of $250 to download the program to a laptop. If the town wanted to pay $60 per month, they can access it from anywhere. Perry recommended if they were to do this, they could put it on a desktop computer. Perry gave a presentation of the Crypt Keeper through the town of China’s website. This software can give a lot of information, like where someone is buried, which lot number, which cemetery, photos of the stone and much more. The town of China has hired someone to do their cemeteries and it took them over three months working 40 hours a week.
Perry was asking the select board to approve the $250 program purchase for now, and add in $500 a year in her budget for 2023-24 and continue until the work is done. The board approved the purchase and added they will add the additional $500 a year in her budget until the work is completed.
In other business, Town Manager Theresa Haskell said the town of Windsor has been invited to participate in a one-day household hazardous waste collection which is being coordinated with KVCOG and the town of China, to be hosted by China on Saturday, April 15, from 8 a.m. – noon. The cost to Windsor is $500 and this would allow the town residents to dispose of hazardous chemicals, in a proper manner, that are commonly used around the house.
Resident Patricia Springer asked the town to reimburse the excise tax she paid on a vehicle she purchased in December that was later declared totaled in an accident. The board approved to credit Springer the $124.30 transfer rate.
Public Works Supervisor Keith Hall, and Public Works driver/laborer Timothy Coston brought up the compensation time and are asking the select board to warrant them to be able to comp over 40 hours of overtime, which will equal 60 hours of time off. The board approved the agreement with the conditions that need to be done.
A discussion followed about CDL drivers and a possible position added in next year’s budget. Hall said he needs someone with a CDL license. Springer indicated she conducts CDL classes and would provide information in helping to hire someone.
Resident Colleen Doucette asked what the status was with people in town living in campers. The board indicated the codes enforcement officer, Arthur Strout, is working on this matter and that it takes time. Allison Whynot said there are people living in campers on the Jones Road as well. Selectman Ronald Brann said it is a long process and the town is dealing with human beings, and that an attorney may become involved, which could be costly to the town.
Haskell said the cemetery perpetual certificate of deposit is coming up for renewal and suggested they take the money received for the sale of lots throughout the year, which is a total of $5,625, and add it to the CD. The move from the general ledger account to the CD was approved.
All votes were by unanimous (3-0) votes since selectmen Richard Gray Jr. and Andrew Ballantyne were absent.
FEBRUARY 28 MEETING
At the February 28 meeting of the Windsor Select Board, resident David Shaw asked to discuss fines that were billed to him. Arthur Strout, Codes Enforcement Officer, said he was working on it. Shaw explained he was doing a favor for the occupants of the campers and it was his understanding it would only be for a short period. Shaw did what he could to get the occupants off his property, including getting the law involved. The fines have now reached $4,000. Shaw is asking the town to reduce or forgive the fines for the reasons he had given and the explanation. Strout recommended no less than $1,000 as the fine. The select board approved that $1,000 be paid within 30 days and the property to be cleaned up in the spring.
In other business, Town Manager Theresa Haskell wanted to be sure everyone on the board has received and looked over the new Delta Ambulance contract. She would feel comfortable having an attorney look it over to address some of the questions that have been brought up and suggested by the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department and select board members. The townspeople should be aware of what they will be getting into if they choose to go with Delata Ambulance service as opposed to not having an ambulance service. Selectman Richard Gray said he’d like to see it go to the town as a separate warrant article and for the voters to see if they want an ambulance service or not.
Selectmen Andrew Ballantyne and William Appel Jr. were absent from the meeting.
Select board “not interested” in opting-in on medical marijuana retail store
/0 Comments/in News, Windsor/by Website Editorby The Town Line staff
At the January 17 meeting of the Windsor Select Board, Devin Noonan appeared before the board to see if he could be the first applicant to sign up to be a Medical Marijuana Retail Store. He was informed that the select board refused to honor the petition that was presented because it does not contain the “precise article” that would need to be put on the next warrant issued for the voters to decide. When Noonan asked what happens next, the board said they have no interest to “opt in” at this time. Much discussion followed.
Town Manager Theresa Haskell informed the board that the town had received an invitation for two officials from Windsor to attend a meeting with the County EMA and administration in Augusta. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss current endeavors and issues that are facing the towns and cities in Kennebec County, and to find ways they could assist or augment what the communities are doing. They unanimously decided to send no one at this time.
In other business, Haskell reported the last storm was mostly ice, and took many hours and product to manage. Select board member William Appel Jr. asked if the roads are plowed between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., when there isn’t much traffic. He suggested it would be a good time to hold off on plowing so the public works employees could get rest. Both Haskell and Public Works Driver/Laborer Timothy Corson said it all depended on the type of storm. The equipment fared well during the recent clean up effort.
Haskell reported receiving a call from Regional Rubbish, of Damariscotta, asking if they could bring MSW they pick up weekly on Wednesday from individual households and dump this at the Windsor Transfer Station. They currently take the trash to West Bath. Many quesions followed:
- From how many Windsor residents do they pick up?
- At the 10-cents per pound charge, that would not cover the actual cost of the transfer station expenses.
- The town of Windsor taxpayers pay half the incurred expenses through the lcoal taxes and the other half is collected at the transfer station.
- More would have to be charged to businesses like that to cover cost of disposal.
- It also needs to be determined if they can actually dump the MSW into the hopper with no issues.
The select board instructed Haskell and Sean Teekema, transfer station supervisor, to investigate further to determine if such a move would be beneficial to Windsor.
The next meeting was scheduled for January 31.
PHOTO: Windsor Fair president receives award
/0 Comments/in Business News, Community, Windsor/by Website EditorWindsor Fair shares that their esteemed president, Tom Foster, has been presented the Catherine L. Damren Distinguished Service Award by the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs this past weekend at their annual conference. It means so much to see this award go to someone so deserving. Tom, a farmer himself, has been an asset to the agricultural and fair communities of Maine most of his adult life.
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