Windsor select board opens three sealed heat pump bids; postpones decision

by The Town Line staff

At the February 27 meeting of the Windsor  Select Board, Ray Bates, Select Board Chairman, opened three sealed heat pump bids/RFPs. A bid was submitted by RJ Energy Services, Inc. The proposal included three options. A bid was submitted by C.B. Haskell Fuel Co. Inc.

The proposal included three options. A bid was submitted by Augusta Natural Gas. The written proposal included five options. The bids were reviewed. Discussions and questions were asked to John Ramsey representing RJ Energy and owner/operator of Augusta Natural Gas, Miles Hafner, both were present to answer questions about their induvial quotes as well as other questions the Select Board had. The select board discussed having reference checks done and having an opportunity to discuss the bids with the absent select board member prior to making the decision. William Appel Jr. made a motion to table making a final decision to do reference checks and discuss the bids with the fifth select board member, the select board will reconvene in two weeks to discuss more regarding heat pump bids, and possibly make a decision at that time seconded by Thomas McNaughton and approved 4-0-0.

Town Manager Theresa Haskell reviewed updates made to the transfer station brochure. The brochure and price changes were discussed at the November 21, 2023, select board meeting. A few of the changes include an increase in tire charges. Passenger car/light truck tires up to 20 inches are now $5 each. Truck Tires are now $25 each. skidder tires are now $100 each. TV Monitors, Laptops under 25 inches are now $12 each. TV monitors, laptops under 25 inches are now $25 each. The transfer station will now accept propane tanks up to 20 lbs. at a cost of $5 each and will accept propane tanks 21 . lbs – 100 lbs. at a cost of $25 each. Residents can see the new brochure posted on the website. The select board approved the changes 4-0, with select board member Andrew Ballantyne absent.

Darcy Aronson, a Windsor resident who owns land off Griffin Road asked the select board why they allowed her road to be named by another town resident without her knowledge. Aronson stated Windsor residents Chris and Johanna Oberg and Paul Bernier have a right-of-way through her land to their property. She explained she owns approximately 700 feet of the said Road that was recently named Landworks Lane. The road begins off Griffin Road and Aronson reported that she owns the beginning section of the road. The other residents only have a right-of-way. Chris Oberg spoke on behalf of himself, his wife, and his father-in-law Paul Bernier. They are the landowners that have the right-of-way through Darcy Aronson’s property.

Chris Oberg handed the select board a written layout to include mapping of what his plan could and would be pending a decision of the select board regarding the naming of the road. Chris Oberg made it known that he, his wife, and Paul were not aware that it was a problem to name the road. They began building their new home on the property and were told by the town that they had to give the road a name by Arthur Strout, Codes Enforcement Officer. They came up with several names and ultimately decided on Landworks Lane.

Arthur Strout, Codes Enforcement Officer, sat in on the discussion and he confirmed that he did let the Oberg’s know that the road did need to be named. After much discussion, all parties agreed they would have a discussion among themselves to try and come to an agreement. If more town involvement is needed, the residents will be in contact with the appropriate officials. The name of the road will stand at Landworks Lane for all purposes including the E-911 system at this time.

Moira Teekema, a resident of Windsor, spoke with the select board regarding cost and placement of road signage around the town. Discussion ensued about Amish carriage signs and the cost of the signs and where they could and should be placed. It was brought up that there were Amish carriage signs in the town of Whitefield donated. It was brought up in discussion by another resident in the audience that the speed limit should be reduced in a couple areas around town where here are sharp corners and blind drives. Theresa responded that speed limits are not something the town can control. Haskell noted speed limits are controlled by Department of Transportation. The D.O.T. increases and decreases speed limits as they deem necessary.

In other business, Haskell reported that Katie Yates, Program Manager, from Central Maine Power attended the meeting to discuss and answer any questions the select board may have regarding the agreement CMP has with the town of Windsor and surrounding towns to repair any damage done to the town’s roads while CMP is traveling on them to do their work while the towns have them posted. The roads that will be most used by CMP in the town of Windsor at this time are Vigue Rd., Doyle Rd., Divine Rd., Griffin Rd., Maxcy’s Mill Rd., and Baker Rd. The out-of-state contractor CMP is contracted with is Ironwood Heavy Highway LLC and M.J. Electric LLC. They would be responsible for repairing any damage done to the town’s roads per the agreement.

– Haskell noted Delta Ambulance was planning to attend the meeting. Delta contacted her to let her know they had to cancel. Delta will be placed on the agenda at a future date.
– Ray Bates shared parts of an email sent to him from State Representative Katrina Smith. Smith highlighted key points around Delta Ambulances’ finances and encouraged towns to ask Delta Ambulances to provide financial records moving forward.
– Haskell reported that Windsor will post on the website information regarding FEMA disaster assistance including a number to call with questions about disaster relief. The number is 1-800-621-3362. Haskell also added the Manchester Fire Department will be open for walk-ins Monday – Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., if anyone has questions about the FEMA disaster assistance from the December 2023 storm.
– McNaughton reported that the IRS has extended the tax due date to June 17, 2024. The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Maine affected by severe storms and flooding that began on December 17, 2023. People can contact the IRS with questions.
– Haskell reported a vacancy for a Democratic Election Clerk. Kelly McGlothlin has asked to appoint Terry Bailey as Democratic Election Clerk effective through April 30, 2024. William Appel Jr. made a motion to appoint Terry Bailey as Democratic Election Clerk effective through April 30, 2024, seconded by Chester D. Barnes Jr. and approved 4-0-0.
– Haskell reported as of December 5, 2023, the E-911 assistant has changed and updated 45 addresses in the E-911 system. Greg Feltis is still working on address updates. This is very important for emergency services. Although this may be frustrating and a hardship for some residents if an address change is made, it is necessary for emergency services. He will continue fielding calls as any concerns about address changes come up.
– Haskell reported that civil papers have been served on the Ridge Road property. Next steps will be taken if necessary.
– Haskell reported the new fire truck has arrived at the Windsor Volunteer Fire Station.
– Haskell extended an invitation to the select board, on behalf of the Windsor Volunteer Department to their annual meeting on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will include dinner for the select board members and a guest who chooses to attend. The select board is to let Haskell know as soon as possible.
– Chester D. Barnes Jr. made a motion to increase Timothy Coston’s hourly wage and overtime wage to be what the Public Works Road Supervisor’s wage is as he is now handling the supervisory role while the supervisor is out.

Animal Control Officer Ryan Carver reported he has contacted all but about ten people on his door-to-door list for unregistered dogs. If the residents that have received their 10-day notice do not get their dogs registered, they will receive the 14-day notice and after that they will be issued a summons for keeping an unregistered dog.

The next meeting of the select board was scheduled for March 12.