Public forum planned on new marijuana law; selectmen seek public input

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro residents with opinions on how their town should react to the state-wide vote legalizing recreational marijuana production and use are invited to a hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the town office meeting room, before the 7 p.m. selectmen’s meeting.

At their Nov. 17 meeting, selectmen discussed three alternatives:

  • Prepare a moratorium ordinance that would prohibit in-town marijuana operations for six months or a year to give time to create local regulations. Should they choose that route, board members need to find out whether selectmen can declare a moratorium or whether voters’ approval is required.
  • Prepare a local regulatory ordinance, probably for submission to the June 2017 town meeting. Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus suggested Vassalboro’s Adult-Only Business Ordinance, adopted while the topless coffee shop was open on Route 3, could be a model.
  • Take no immediate action. (ep)

Board member Robert Browne recommended asking residents’ opinions, especially on the moratorium idea, leading to scheduling the Dec. 1 hearing.

Town Manager Mary Sabins provided copies of the complete Marijuana Legalization Act voters approved, pointing out three provisions that struck her: a nine-month deadline for state authorities to adopt rules for the new industry; a requirement for municipal approval to obtain a state license for retail sale of marijuana or operation of a marijuana social club; and a provision allowing municipalities to prohibit both retail sales and social clubs.

Selectmen believe they have time to consider the issue and prepare action. Titus said with the ballot recount and the holidays, he doubts the referendum result, if confirmed, will be effective until early January 2017. He does not expect state authorities to take any action until the vote is final.

Titus and board member Philip Haines, both experienced with state services, agreed that the state cannot meet the nine-month deadline. A major rule-making process, they said, takes a year or longer. There is also the possibility that the state legislature will further delay action by discussing whether to amend the approved ballot question.

In other business Nov. 17, selectmen reviewed five applications to fill the vacant planning board seat and unanimously appointed Marianne Stevens the new alternate member, succeeding Paul Breton.

Stevens is a former Kingfield resident who served on the Kingfield Planning Board and has experience on other town and state boards.

Haines commented on the variety of knowledge and experience among the applicants and expressed the hope that they will be around if there is another planning board vacancy.

Board members contemplated follow-up actions after town voters rejected both local referendum questions on the Nov. 8 ballot. As a first step toward meeting pedestrian needs in East Vassalboro, since voters chose not to appropriate money for sidewalks, Titus asked Sabins to have Road Commissioner Eugene Field get prices for a variety of speed limit and warning signs that might add to the effect of state speed limit signs. Haines, a supporter of the shoreland zoning amendments voters turned down, favored another vote, probably at the June town meeting. Titus said it would not be illegal to seek a second vote.

Maine’s largest community solar farm grows in China

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By the end of the year, South China will host the largest community solar farm to date in Maine; 3 Level Farm Community Solar Farm, on Rte. 32.

solar farm continues at the 3 Levels Farm, in China

Construction of a solar farm continues at the 3 Levels Farm, in China. By the end of the year, South China will host the largest community solar farm to date in the state of Maine. Photos courtesy of Holly Noyes

Glen Wall, a resident of South China, is one of the eight members of the solar farm and serves as treasurer of the association. All members of the farm will receive credits toward their electricity bill through net metering in proportion to the shares they own. If someone owns 20 percent of the solar farm, then they would get 20 percent back in credits. “Although I own the smallest share in the farm, I still get to offset carbon and lower my electricity costs,” said Wall.

Each kilowatt of solar energy installed in Maine saves each utility ratepayer $4,000 over the lifetime of the panels, according to the Value of Solar study commissioned by Maine Public Utility Commission. Community solar farms allow greater access to solar energy. Renters, homeowners and business owners who don’t have a location or roof suitable for a solar panel array to be installed can receive the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy through a community farm membership. “When the community solar farm in South China became available, I wanted to join. In addition, if I move or sell my house someday, I will still benefit from it,” Wall said.

ReVision Energy, of Liberty, is designing and installing the project, and employs 32 people locally. ReVision Energy also has an office in Portland and two in New Hampshire with 140 employees total. Since 2003, ReVision Energy has installed over 5,000 solar arrays. The members of the 3 Level Farm Community Solar Farm and ReVision Energy will be hosting an open house for the public in early Spring.

Employees at the China solar farm

Employees at the China solar farm, designed and installed by ReVision Energy, of Liberty, are, from left to right, Jarrett Cannan, Holly Noyes, Dryw Hunt and Justin Milliken.

Vassalboro: Attendees leave with informational pamphlets

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by Mary Grow

People attending the Nov. 7 East Vassalboro meeting on removal of the Masse dam left with three handouts.
One is titled “Public Participation in the Licensing Process” and explains how and when area residents can follow and take part in the application review.

The handout directs people seeking maximum involvement to file a written request to become what DEP calls an “interested person” and receive application-related material. Interested persons may inspect and copy all non-confidential information in the DEP file on the application and will get notices of meetings and hearings.

Interested persons and others may submit written comments on an application being reviewed. There is also an opportunity to request a public hearing on an application, if the request is submitted within 20 days after DEP accepts the application as complete and meets other requirements.

The handout offers two sources for additional information: DEP Director of Procedures and Enforcement, 287-7688; and on-line links provided at http://www.maine.gov.dep.

The second handout is a three-and-a-half page summary of ARI’s work as of July 2016.

The third is a one-page project summary explaining that the activity for which the DEP permit is requested will require using an excavator to remove the concrete dam and sluiceway, leaving the dam buttress and the part of the dam north of the sluiceway in place. Work is planned for July, August and September; no year is specified, but Landis Hudson of Maine Rivers said in an email that the goal is 2017.

Vassalboro: Dam groups hold public hearing on project

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by Mary Grow

The groups applying for a state permit to remove the Masse dam in East Vassalboro held a Nov. 7 public hearing to explain the project and how area residents can get involved.

The presentation by Landis Hudson, of Maine Rivers, drew about two dozen people from Vassalboro and China to participate in a wide-ranging discussion. Most of the East Vassalboro residents who spoke remained unconvinced of the value of the project. Maine Rivers, the China Region Lakes Alliance and others have created ARI, the Alewife Restoration Initiative. ARI’s goal is to clear China Lake’s Outlet Stream of obstacles to fish passage so that migratory alewives can get from the Atlantic Ocean via the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers into the lake.

One step is the proposed removal of the dam in East Vassalboro. The project requires a Natural Resources Protection Act permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Hudson said the meeting was a state requirement as an early step in the application to remove the dam.

Hudson’s presentation focused on expected environmental impacts, the topic most questioned during the discussion. Proponents foresee a more natural ecosystem that will provide better habitat for native species of fish, animals, birds, insects and plants, and the probable improvement of water quality in China Lake through the alewife introduction.

Dams and other man-made barriers fragment formerly interconnected habitats and tend to benefit non-native and warm-water species, Hudson said. Reconnecting streams is Maine Rivers’ main focus; other ARI members are more concerned with alewife migration.

In August and September the Masse dam was opened to lower the water level in the upstream impoundment and part of the former mill was taken down. Hudson said complete removal of the dam would not change the upstream water level much more.

According to earlier discussions, the mill was in danger of collapse, endangering East Vassalboro Water Company pipes under the stream as well as people trespassing on mill property.

Hudson said mill owner Don Robbins made a presentation on the historic mill to the Vassalboro Historical Society.

Jan Clowes of the society said the group did not understand the urgency of his situation and hoped the society would not “drop the ball” should a similar problem arise in the future.

A related concern was that lower water above the water company’s pipes would expose them to freezing. The pipes have been relocated, Hudson said.

Charlie Hartman, Clowes and other East Vassalboro residents argued Nov. 7 that they have lost a pond that was a significant recreational and community center, that trees and perhaps buildings are endangered by the changed shoreline configuration and that there is not enough water in the stream for all the good things predicted.

Project Manager Matt Streeter said the application process includes a hydrogeologist’s study of the impact of lower water on buildings and retaining walls. Conclusions from the study will be submitted to DEP.

Water flow from China Lake down Outlet Stream is regulated by a Board of Environmental Protection order specifying maximum and minimum flows at different seasons. The Outlet Dam is managed to meet the state requirements.

Discussion also covered the validity of the claim that alewives will improve lake water quality, a statement everyone agreed is so far unproven. Dam removal proponents think improvement is likely; opponents are skeptical.

Resident Bill Pullen queried the cost of the project, getting no answer. Streeter said arrangements with contractors are not part of the public record. He assured the audience that so far the cost is within $1,000 of the original budget.

In May, Vassalboro selectmen approved giving the China Region Lakes Alliance $150,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to support ARI’s work, $65,000 in the spring and $85,000 after the November tax payment.

Area students on dean’s list at UNH

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The following area students have been named to the dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, New Hampshire.

Kelly McCormac, of South China; Michaela Hinckley-Gordon, of Benton; Kellie Bolduc and Luke Violette, both of Waterville; Sarah Wildes, of Winslow; Myrilla Hartkopf, of Albion; Andrew Marden, of Bingham, Maxwell Kenney and Kyle McLain, both of Fairfield; Adam Bovie and Rebecca Grenier, both of Vassalboro.

 

Vassalboro voters reject both local questions

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro voters rejected both local referendum questions at the polls Nov. 8. (ep)

The revised Shoreland Zoning Ordinance on which planning board members worked for a year was defeated by a vote of 981 yes to 1,186 no, leaving the current ordinance in place.

A request for an appropriation from surplus of not more than $58,600 as the town’s contribution toward installing sidewalks in East Vassalboro lost with 969 votes in favor and 1,360 against. Had voters approved the project, it would have been incorporated into the state’s planned rebuilding of Route 32 through Vassalboro, scheduled for 2017 or 2018.

In the other local ballot question, Frank Richards was elected to represent Vassalboro on the Kennebec Water District Board of Trustees with 2,135 votes.

Town Clerk Cathy Coyne, reporting results shortly after 2 a.m. Nov. 9, said 2,480 ballots were cast, what she called a record turnout. Vassalboro has 3,165 registered voters.

Vassalboro: Action postponed on marijuana application

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members postponed action on Leo Barnett’s application for a new building on Old Meadow Road, off Riverside Drive, in which tenants will grow marijuana for medical purposes, because the application he submitted at their Nov. 1 meeting was not complete.

Barnett said he plans a building about 28-by-140 feet just east of his subdivision on the same road. The map he submitted showed the subdivision and the remaining lot where the building is planned, but it was not specific enough about the location and size of the building and access driveway, proposed lighting or landscaping to let board members make a decision on the project.

Board Chairman Virginia Brackett told Barnett the map submitted with a commercial application “becomes the largest piece of the record for the town showing what’s supposed to be where.” Therefore, she said, an accurate map is essential.

In addition, board members could not tell whether the area that would be developed, including roadways, would exceed 5,000 square feet. If it did, the project would be a major rather than a minor development, with somewhat different requirements under town ordinances.

Barnett said he will have a better map prepared for the board’s Dec. 6 meeting.

Five neighbors from Riverside Drive, Lewis Road and Holman Day Road attended the Nov. 1 meeting to voice concerns about the project, questioning its suitability in a residential area.

Barnett said licensed caregivers running the business will rent the new building from him and live close by in an existing building. He said he owns a similar property in Farmingdale and there have been no problems with his tenants or with neighbors.

Vassalboro: Board denies appeal

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by Mary Grow

Acting on the town attorney’s advice, the Vassalboro Board of Appeals refused on procedural grounds to hear Jonathan Blumberg’s appeal of a permit granted to Bernard Welch for his South Stanley Hill Road property.
Codes Enforcement Officer Richard Dolby had granted Welch building and plumbing permits needed for a food-processing and storage building on the site of a burned-down chicken house on the property. Blumberg filed an appeal of the decision with the codes officer, but he did not supply the “appropriate appeal fee” of $100 required by the town ordinance, instead, he said, putting the money in an escrow account. Vassalboro’s ordinance does not allow for an escrow account, acting Board of Appeals Chairman John Reuthe said. Town Attorney Alton Stevens advised the board to find that without the fee, the appeal was not filed in the timely manner required by the ordinance, and to refuse to address the merits of the appeal.

The four board members present at its Oct. 27 meeting unanimously did so. Reuthe cut off Blumberg’s protests by adjourning the meeting.

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: Too many cooks spoil the soup

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by Al Althenn
China resident

When I was just a kid living in China 60 odd years ago I remember my grandmother saying, “Too many cooks spoil the soup.” My grandmother and those words keep coming to mind when I think of what has happened and is still happening with China Lake.

China Lake has become a mismanaged and polluted algae soup.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) began peddling its influence as protector of our environment in the late ‘60s. China Lake was not spared this new Crime against Nature.

The issues with China Lake began about 45 years ago due to federal legislation regarding clean water. Vassalboro was being required to treat its raw sewage that had been dumped into the lakes outlet stream at many locations along the winding streams banks.

Vassalboro didn’t want to spend the federal dollars it got to send that sewage to the Waterville Treatment Plant, there appears to be a profit motive there somewhere. The DEP allow raising China Lake five vertical feet insuring a reliable source of flushing water for The Outlet Stream where they (the DEP) located and licensed three crude sewage disposal plants dumping 72,000 gallons of wastewater per day into that stream. Using its influence, the DEP granted the licenses for the plants Vassalboro is currently forced to close due to the plants chronic and abysmal failure.

As the predictable wetlands problems associated with keeping the China Lake water level artificially high and stable through the critical spring and fall growing season became evident, the DEP started making increasingly complicated excuses for its actions. Seeing the writing on the wall the local special interests got involved protecting their very special interests in deeper water at their unique individual properties by pushing the formation of the China Lake Association to walk in a cozy lock-step with a crooked DEP and to act as propaganda artists confusing and misleading the local politicians and voters.

Now along comes interest #3 Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IFW) tinkering with the very special environment of the uniquely slow water exchange rate (every 2.5 years) of China Lake. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife allowed increased involvement of Coastal interests from the Lobster Bait Industry to take virtually all the natural lake suckers (catostomus commersoni) from China Lake in recent years. I personally observed the way IFW and the bait industry conveniently got around the regulations in place for years to accomplish another crime against nature by IFW manipulating both trapping methods and inspections.

Lake suckers, although edible and vital to the health of this slow exchange rate, are not considered a game fish and therefore not protected by a self-interest motivated IFW (IFW is not funded from the general fund and therefore is in business for itself) hence the big spending IFW did to keep the bear hunt licensed the way it is and keeping a fat cash cow for the bosses at IFW.

I now have reason to believe IFW, in cooperating with the total removal of all the lake suckers, was working with DMR (Department of Marine Resources) prepping China Lake for this next state special interest that was to follow, re-introducing alewives to our lake, not seen here for almost 200 years due to the building of the high dam in North Vassalboro, built there for the mills around the time of the American Civil War.

DMR’s interest and duty is to the Gulf of Maine where, through DMR’s mismanagement, the fisheries, including the herring fishery, collapsed. (Alewives are a sea run anadromous herring). An anadromous fish means a fish born in fresh water and spending most of its life in the sea returning to the same fresh water where it hatched, to spawn.

Getting the herring re-established is critical to the entire fishing industry in the Gulf of Maine. Due to the many disruptive dam removals and, to maximize the quickest return of the alewives, removal of any and all competition to alewives like lake suckers was needed. To do this DMR used lakes and streams that were not coveted for their great fishing otherwise, with the history for the past 45 years of China Lake and the laissez-fair hands off attitude of the residents of China, our lake was a prime target, they could tell us anything and we are ready to believe it.

DMR tried a few alewives (less than six alewives per acre of lake) to snow us. The lake never suffered so many free ranging alewives in the past as the lake had a robust natural predator system alive and well to keep the numbers of sea run alewives in check.

Alewives will out compete and eat everything left in the China Lake basin if this new one-sided self interest of DMR is allowed to go forth in China Lake. Come on selectmen, suck up your courage, research this so you understand what the issues are, and don’t allow the rest of the natural lake to be driven to the same sad extinction the game fish in China Lake have been driven during the past 45 years of DEP and other state agencies’ crimes against nature influence peddling to special interests.

VCS sixth graders visit Challenger Learning Center

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Challenger Learning Center

On October 31, 47 sixth grade students along with six teachers traveled to Bangor to the Challenger Learning Center. They worked for the past four weeks under the guidance of Mrs. Desmond (science teacher), Mr. Esposito (JMG Master Specialist), Mrs. Ladd-Cyrway (Math), Mrs. Caron (language arts), and Mrs. Peabody (speech) to learn their jobs while taking part in this great simulated Shuttle and Mission Control program. Using the concept of simulation as an instructional tool, Challenger Center programs create an exciting, cooperative learning environment that fosters interest in science, math, and technology. Thanks to the efforts of thousands of dedicated individuals, Challenger Center continues this important mission today. The nation’s first Challenger Learning Center opened in August of 1988 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Currently there are over 40 Challenger Learning Centers in the United States, Canada, and Europe. On June 15, 2001, the Challenger Learning Center of Maine became site number 51! As a part of the Challenger network, Maine’s Center is part of a successful tradition of hands-on discovery. With the financial assistance from the Vassalboro Community School PTO, and a grant received from the Challenger program and also a grant from the Cole Transportation for travel made this fantastic trip possible. Contributed photo