Blog Concern

Sorry that I have not provided any stimulating notes on the blog for over a month, but between work, fishing and the fact I hadn’t much to offer opinion on until recently.

We live in a country that enjoys freedom and provides for a number of rights to its citizens. I am shocked that some elected officials don’t see a need for public opinion, information or comments. Question #55 of the US Citizenship/Immigration Services, Naturalization Test asks for two ways to participate in democracy. The answer, oppose an issue or policy, write to a newspaper and give your opinion are just a few. Others include forming groups, voting or political party action.

Notes of recent meetings:
July [1] 2009 Select Board Meeting
Special board meeting was called to meet with John Harris, regarding the trash contract. Mr. Harris failed to show for the meeting, thus adjourned.

June [17] 2009 Select Board Meeting
A new 3 year trash contract was awarded to JT Trash of Eddington. A report was given on the draft Land Use Ordinance, a draft is on file at the town office, it is reported that it can also be viewed on the planning board’s web site. A card will be mailed to all residents informing them of workshops dates. Also Jessica Johnson resigned from the Planning Board, the Select Board appointed Bruce Jellison as her replacement. [Comment – I wish to thank Jessica for her outstanding work and commitment to the board over the last few years]. The CEO report was accepted, as were the minutes and the fire department report. There was no report from the ACO or the SAD. A resident did offer a concern about the permit and inspection process. A discussion took place with the board, CEO and resident. The board voted to keep the current form as is. A resident spoke on his tax bill. The board voted to allow Bradley to put a dumpster at the town office for use by the Chemo Pond East Shore group to use. This will be a lease in the amount of $100 a month that Bradley will pay Clifton. The group is also exploring succeeding from Bradley and offering to become part of Clifton. There was discussion on our school board member, actions and attendance. Also discussion on my voting record and if I or the school board member voted recently. Ed and the office girls confirmed voting records of Mr. Fickett and me. Discussion that we have no planning board minutes on file, the board would like the calendar put back on the agenda and that board minutes be done by the Friday after the meeting or no later than the following Tuesday, not wait until the day before the next meeting. Discussion on paving bid. Discussion on ATV use on Pleasant St, cost of installing a fence along the roadway to restrict this use – will hold on this, mail letter to residents inviting them to the August meeting for a discussion.

[My opinion is that all town roads should be listed as ATV routes in accordance with state statutes. I don’t see the need to spend $2,515 for fencing, plus installation costs, of taxpayer monies on Pleasant St. This most likely is private property, and we should talk with the residents about the issue first, which we are doing in August. There is the enforcement consideration, if a problem exists, which I am not sure it does, call the police department.]