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.