by Mary Grow

The major topic at the Vassalboro selectmen’s Feb. 11 meeting (rescheduled from the previous Thursday evening due to bad weather) was how to spend Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds next year.

Vassalboro’s TIF document lists the Alewife Restoration Project (ARI) and the Vassalboro Sanitary District (VSD) connection to Winslow as two major economic development projects eligible for TIF dollars. Those dollars come from taxes paid on the gas pipeline that runs north-south through the town.

ARI asked for $43,000 for 2020-2021. Matt Streeter from ARI attended the public hearing that preceded the Feb. 11 meeting to describe their need for money to continue removing the dams on Outlet Stream that block alewife access into China Lake.

Several residents, mostly from North Vassalboro, expressed concern that dam work would use up all the money available for 2020-21. They want the VSD to get a share, especially to assist residents who will now have access to the public sewer to hook on.

After the hearing, selectmen decided they need more information from both parties before they approve 2020-21 TIF expenditures. Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus told Streeter they were for the moment neither denying nor approving ARI’s application.

In other business, Selectman John Melrose said he expected five solar companies to visit Vassalboro’s potential solar sites Feb. 12 and to submit notices of intent to bid on the project (see The Town Line, Jan. 30). The town office lot seems to be the preferred site, he said, and he asked the rest of the board if he should begin looking for cost estimates for clearing north and west of the building. Titus and Robert Browne said yes, he should.

Town Manager Mary Sabins recommended postponing purchase of a new water heater for the town office until the old one quits (see The Town Line, Jan. 16). Selectmen agreed.

They unanimously approved revising the price previously agreed for an easement for Central Maine Power Company near the Webber Pond boat landing, after Keltie Beaudoin from Avangrid, speaking for CMP, said a newly-discovered boundary agreement reduced the acreage involved.

The next Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the town office. Agenda items include a discussion with Kennebec County Sheriff, Ken Mason, on patrol coverage in Vassalboro and preliminary discussion of engineering for two projects, a replacement culvert on Gray Road and a transfer station redesign.

by Mary Grow

At their Jan. 23 meeting, Vassalboro selectmen unanimously approved a request for proposals (RFP) for a solar energy project for the town, including the school department and the Vassalboro Sanitary District. The RFP was prepared by the Solar Energy Project Committee; committee chairman, Selectman John Melrose, said Sanitary District and school officials were consulted.

The schedule for bidders is as follows: notices of intent to bid are due by Feb. 7; a mandatory pre-proposal meeting, RFP review and site visit are scheduled for Feb. 12; town officials must respond to any comments or questions arising from the meeting by Feb. 18; and proposals are due at the town office by 3 p.m. March 9.

The solar installation is to tie into Central Maine Power Company’s service. Bidders have a choice of four sites: Vassalboro Community School land or, with an engineer’s approval, the roof of the building; the town office lot; the North Vassalboro fire station lot; and the Vassalboro Sanitary District’s East Vassalboro property that currently contains a sand filter bed, to be discontinued when the sewer connection to Winslow is finished.

Selectmen also had a request from Michael Vashon, representing the volunteer fire department, to clarify whether town funds approved by voters to match grants the department received are to be used only for state or federal grants, or whether they can match grants from private foundations.

Selectmen voted unanimously that foundation grants can also be matched with tax dollars.

Vashon said with grants and town funds the firefighters have bought and installed new mobile radios and partly funded new portable radios. They’re saving money now for a new fire truck, at an estimated price of about $365,000.

In other business Jan. 23, selectmen renewed the liquor license for Natanis Golf Course, with course owner and Selectman Robert Browne abstaining from discussion and voting.

They told resident Michael Poulin, who would like the town’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) policy amended, that a consultant is reviewing the policy (see The Town Line, Dec. 19, 2019).

Tom Richards, Commander of Vassalboro American Legion Post #126, asked whether town funds might be used if the post helped organize a Memorial Day ceremony. Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus and Sabins said past observances have cost $300 or less. Titus suggested Richards talk with his wife, Linda Titus, head of the Vassalboro Business Association, about past and possible future events.

Sabins said repairs to the utility room and updates to the computer system are in progress, with the computer system nearly done and more time-consuming – and therefore more expensive – than expected. Once that is finished, she said, the Cemetery Committee will be able to install a much-needed cemetery record program and hire an intern to collect information to fill it.

Voters appropriated $28,000 this year for the town’s share in the maintenance of cemeteries and public grounds and for Memorial Day expenses.

The next regular selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. They plan an initial work session on the 2020-21 budget at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11.

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members got a first look at parts of the proposed 2020-2021 budget at their Jan. 14 meeting.

Technology Coordinator Will Backman said his preliminary budget includes an estimated $50,000 to replace the telephone system at Vassalboro Community School. Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said the current system is 10 to 15 years old and has started breaking down – an inconvenience and potentially a safety issue.

Board members did not discuss, at this stage, whether to act, and if they do whether to buy or lease a system.

The preliminary transportation budget has a 20 percent increase over the current year, according to figures shared at the meeting. Transportation Coordinator Lisa Gadway recommends asking state approval to buy two new buses, to stay on schedule and, she hopes, save money on maintenance. There is also a bookkeeping correction that would move $35,000 to the transportation account from the special education account, she said.

REMINDER: School board survey deadline approaching

Friday, Jan. 24, is the last day to respond to the Vassalboro School Board’s survey seeking Vassalboro residents’ opinions as part of the development of a five-year strategic plan. The survey is on the school website, www.vcsvikings.org.

Gadway said Vassalboro, like most of the rest of the state, has a shortage of bus drivers; there are no substitutes available. She suggested other school personnel, including teachers, be encouraged to qualify as bus drivers.

School officials have barely started budget work; the two accounts they saw Jan. 14 add up to less than three-quarters of a million dollars. The 2019-2020 voter-approved school budget totals more than $7.5 million.

In other business, board members heard a report on plans to join with town officials in seeking solar power in town; reviewed proposed updated policies; and appointed Heather Bassett an educational technician.

The next regular Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Feb. 11.