China selectmen hear reports from department heads

by Mary Grow

China selectmen heard reports from town departments (submitted in writing and read by Town Manager Becky Hapgood) and considered various issues at their Oct. 13 meeting.

They made three decisions:

• They appointed Frederick Anderson, Dale Peabody, Shawn Reed and Joshua Crommett to the Road Committee.
• They accepted with appreciation a $5,000 grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life to help with Covid-related election expenses. Hapgood gave Town Clerk Angela Nelson credit for obtaining the money.
• After an executive-session discussion with Town Attorney Amanda Meader, Hapgood reported selectmen voted to authorize Meader to enter into negotiations with Brent Chesley’s attorney over Chesley’s rejected application to build a retaining wall along the shore of his China Lake property. Codes Officer Bill Butler denied a permit, and in August the China Board of Appeals upheld Butler on a split vote, on the ground that the planning board was the proper body to review Chesley’s application.

Department and other report highlights included the following:

• Town Clerk Angela Nelson had already issued a record number of absentee ballots. The ballot drop box at the town office was installed with state funds covering $1,500 or 80 percent of the cost, whichever is less, and the possibility of more state aid.

Hapgood added that office staff have received many complaints about ballot applications, ballots and other election materials mailed by political parties and affiliates. Selectboard Chairman Ronald Breton said town officials can do nothing to stop them.

• Public Works Foreman Shawn Reed reported road paving and striping finished and final shoulder work almost done. Breton thanked the crew for their clean-up work after recent storms.
• Codes Officer Butler reported on enforcement issues, one pending and one resolved, and again announced his retirement, effective Dec. 1.
• Transfer Station Manager Ron Marois’ report sparked questions from Breton and board member Wayne Chadwick about the cost of recycling various materials, including glass and cardboard, versus the cost of treating them as mixed waste. Hapgood reminded the board that cardboard recycling is required by town ordinance.
• Police Chief Craig Johnson’s report summarized September hours and activities. Breton wants more hours of coverage. Hapgood said China’s police force consists of five people, all with full-time jobs in other departments; three share patrol duty, while two Oakland officers handle various office duties for China.

Selectman Irene Belanger, who represents China on several regional and state boards and committees, reported that the Municipal Review Committee, the group of towns overseeing the now-closed Fiberight trash facility, in Hampden, continues to move toward finding a new owner/operator.

Halloween trunk or treat to be held

China’s annual Halloween trunk-or-treat will be held, with adjustments for Covid, beginning at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, in the town office parking lot. Selectman Irene Belanger and former Selectman Robert MacFarland are organizing the event; they plan to hand out treats as children remain in vehicles, with a one-way traffic flow. Those who would like to help are invited to wear costumes and to assemble well before 6 p.m. Those seeking more information should contact Belanger, MacFarland or the town office.

In other business, South China resident Carrie Gay again asked for town help in creating a public water source to replace the private spring on Route 3 that has been closed. Many people in the area have well water that is unfit to drink, she said, and cannot afford to meet their needs with bottled water. No definite proposals were discussed; Breton said the town will try to assist.

Breton asked whether Hapgood intends to continue mailing weekly newsletters after the Covid grant financing them runs out. Hapgood said she hopes to find money in the budget to continue on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, and praised deputy town clerk Ashley Farrington for the quality of the letters.

Hapgood and Breton made the following announcements:

• Causeway Road is to be closed for several weeks between the boat landing and the China Baptist Church parking lot, to finish construction of embankments and a walkway at the head of China Lake’s east basin. The lake’s water level is expected to drop 12 to 18 inches soon.
• On Nov. 3, the town office will be closed so staff can supervise voting in the adjoining portable building.
• The next regular selectmen’s meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26.

Annual drug take-back day set for Oct. 24

The annual fall drug take-back day at the China transfer station is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24. Residents are encouraged to bring in unused or outdated medication for safe disposal.