Again one of Maine's small communities, at the far edge of the county, seperated from the county seatby distance and a large native waterway is in for a struggle.
Population 743 men, women and children, 10% unemployment, rising taxes and no major employer.
A place were customers/residents don't have stocks, bonds, bars of gold, treasury notes or large stashes of cash...what they do have is their land, it is their only family investment they can afford (and some are in fear of losing that).
We enjoy a simple life, hunting, fishing, sledding and riding our ATV, coffee at the store and visiting the library, most folks want to be left alone to enjoy what they think is theirs.
Work continues on a massive overhaul of a land use ordiance that is scheduled to be presented at spring meeting 2010. An ordinance that will restrict land owner rights, change shoreland zoning and even limit where you can build. As was reported to me, a group called Concerned Citizens of Clifton is forming to defeat this measure and hope to convince the selectboard not to even place it on the warrant for spring meeting. A motion to "passover" could be in order. Why not be like other towns and use the state shoreland ordinacne is there a special reason we need to have higher standards. In fact they would like the board, which asked for a simple ordinance years ago to stop work on drafting the document and go back to page one. Maybe let the CEO who deals with issues daily suggest or draft an ordinance what he feels might be workable for his job.
The more we pick on our neighbors for stupid things just puts more fuel in the fire to stop work on this ordinance. An example of "emotional distrubed" things is a matter, as reported, heading to the planning board. It appears that a person owns a small construction business, having a dump truck and small tractor. At night this person brings the truck home from the job and parks it on his property. Some think person is running a business from their home and should have a commerical permit. My thought and others - hogwash. So everyone who brings home a company truck running a business at their home. A local guy who hires out his tractor to bush hog, he is running a business? How about the logger with the skidder in the yard - a business? Oh wait what if you plow driveways and the plow is in your yard? The list goes on and on...this is just plan nuts or spiteful, certainly not what I would call a church going way. Yet some want more ordinances! We aren't even there yet and see what is happening around town. In my view someone should just be slapped side of the head for even bringing things like the up...which again leads me to wonder why it is going to the planning board. File a complaint with the CEO, he will investigate and issue findings. If action is needed the CEO will go to the board of selectman for funding (use your tax dollars) to cause legal action. Complaints like this should not be at the planning board. Its getting to the point that maybe we need to put our signs that snoopers are not allowed. What do you think, do you think parking your company vehicle in your dooryard should require a permit and planning board approval?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Enforcement Thoughts
The town and board of selectman employ a CEO (Code Enforcement Officer), who also reviews plumbing and electrical. The CEO reports to the and works with the planning board. The CEO is charged with certain duties by the board, some of which involve issuing permits and enforcement of ordinances.
There seems to a lot of customers concerned with other customers in town and what neighbords are doing on their property. In looking over the minutes it suggests that concerns or complaints are being reviewed by the planning board, not the CEO and select board.
If a customer feels the need to question what another customer or neighbor is doing, permit concerns or what they feel should not be doing. The complaint should be clearly directed to the CEO not the planning board. The CEO will investigate and report the findings to the selectboard and reporting customer. The selectboard makes final decisions on filing of lawsuits and enforcement costs. Once the planning board has issued the permit - follow up and concerns rest with the CEO and selectboard. That the way the law was created and the way it should be - providing checks and balances. Having the planning board investigating complaints is their action, but that of the CEO, thus removing bias and conficts. There must not be much to do if customers are worried about other customers. The CEO is well qualified, training and educated, providing a great service for the dollars provided. After your permit is issued or if someone complains who do you expect to see knocking at your talking or giving you a phone call to explain the rules?
There seems to a lot of customers concerned with other customers in town and what neighbords are doing on their property. In looking over the minutes it suggests that concerns or complaints are being reviewed by the planning board, not the CEO and select board.
If a customer feels the need to question what another customer or neighbor is doing, permit concerns or what they feel should not be doing. The complaint should be clearly directed to the CEO not the planning board. The CEO will investigate and report the findings to the selectboard and reporting customer. The selectboard makes final decisions on filing of lawsuits and enforcement costs. Once the planning board has issued the permit - follow up and concerns rest with the CEO and selectboard. That the way the law was created and the way it should be - providing checks and balances. Having the planning board investigating complaints is their action, but that of the CEO, thus removing bias and conficts. There must not be much to do if customers are worried about other customers. The CEO is well qualified, training and educated, providing a great service for the dollars provided. After your permit is issued or if someone complains who do you expect to see knocking at your talking or giving you a phone call to explain the rules?
Do We Need Planning Board?
Maine law does not require a Planning Board. If a town elects not to have a planning board the board of selectman become the permit reviewers.
Population of 743 men, women and children, with 10% unemployment, over $5,000 in planning board expenses, less than 20 new construction permits issued for the year.
Is there any reason that the CEO can not review all applications, and issue permits, expect those requiring review (those would go before the board of selectman).
A reasonable person would entertain that based on costs, town values and the number of permits issued that abolishing the planning board and having the select baord review the work of the CEO would be a smart move. It also would provide the select board with direct oversight with CEO and board, stream line the process and provide direct contact. Do you think this would make things simplified in government for you the customer?
Population of 743 men, women and children, with 10% unemployment, over $5,000 in planning board expenses, less than 20 new construction permits issued for the year.
Is there any reason that the CEO can not review all applications, and issue permits, expect those requiring review (those would go before the board of selectman).
A reasonable person would entertain that based on costs, town values and the number of permits issued that abolishing the planning board and having the select baord review the work of the CEO would be a smart move. It also would provide the select board with direct oversight with CEO and board, stream line the process and provide direct contact. Do you think this would make things simplified in government for you the customer?
Do Whats Right!
Abatement of taxes is a special issue when it comes to town's and cities across Maine. There are also very specfic statutes outlining how and when abatements can be given by the selectboard. Recently requests were made for abatement. In reviewing the matter it was found that the assessor agent and town select board as the assessors had made some serious mistakes in evaluation of a customers property. The customer requested an abatement. Mistakes were made, for whatever reason, and when it comes to over charging a tax payer by thousands there is zero room for mistakes in a small town. The select board wanted to grant a refund or abatement to the customer. It now appears that under Maine law we can not provide such abatement because the customer who is untrained, not a professional assessor or appraiser did not file a complaint within a proper time period of 180 days of being notified. Although the customer did call (verabal) and ask staff about the tax bill, they never filed a written appeal, nor were they told they could file for abatement. How would the average person know there rights? I would suggest that on the tax bill a statement be included telling the customer they have rights - if they disagree with the assessment or evalulation they need to file a request for abatemetn within 180 days of receiving the tax notice. So there are multiple errors in the tax evaluation and over a thousand dollars owed for at least a three year period. Request for refund denied - why because the law court says assessor make mistakes because of being overworked and balancing such paperwork is inherent to mistakes. Incompentance or igornance I was always told was not an excuse. Try telling a judge you didn't know the law, you forgot or were asleep at the wheel. This is just not right, we as the town made a mistake and we should fix and refund the overcharge to our customer, you the tax payer. What do you think, if you found out you were overcharged for a product, would you want a refund?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
November Selectman Highlights
November 18, 2009 Selectmen Meeting Highlights
Planning board report (Paula) and discussion on wind farm coming to Planning Board. Should be do a new ordinance, incorp in the LUO, do a moratorium or get more information – get more information. Asked CEO for his thoughts and he suggested a standalone ordinance as reported in the planning board minutes
CEO Report – discussion on fencing and Gates hearing. It appears that subject owns a construction business and parks his dump truck and small tractor in his yard. Is this a business? Also building permit to Frank on Mill Lane up for discussion as it has expired. Planning board to consider these things.
ACO discussion on Mr. Walsh resigning, Pelkey is interested; she is doing three or four other neighboring towns. Wait until Mr. Walsh resigns.
Question about fire budget from Eddington, no information yet.
Long discussion on SAD63 its expenses, operations, land deals and joint eeting with Eddington Select board next week. Rusty Gagnon provided information to the board – good discussion. Also the 2009 Maine Piglet Book on government waste in Maine
Discussion on selectman and school board positions, papers will be out in December 20back by January 29th with 25 registered voters of the town required to sign.
Discussions on abatements – while the town overtaxed and make mistake we cannot under law provide a refund.
Legal reports that we cannot waive interest to Carle monies owed.
Ed reported on Chick Hill Road condition.
Paula asked where the funds from the Bradley lease/rent go and if the voters of the leglistiative body had approved the board to enter into this agreement. Will be sent out for review.
Will close eve of Thanksgiving and Christmas at 2pm.
Plowing and sanding contract signed. $38,964 for year 09-10
Discussion on properties to be foreclosed on 12/10/09 for failure to pay taxes in 2007. There are fifteen on the list provided.
November 16, 2009 Selectman Meeting Highlights
This was a budget meeting to start work on the 2009-2010 budget and material for spring 2010 meeting. See budget report separate.
October 21, 2009 Selectman Meeting Highlights
• Public Hearing on General Assistance – update of policy
• Mowing contract awarded for $4,600 per year, 3 year contract
• Phyllis Carle asked the selectman to waive the interest on the amount owed the town from the legal proceedings and clean up. Voted to waive interest as long as payments were being made.
• N. Hatch reported on the Route 180 cemetery, new addition and layout. $2,040 to have survey and pins for each plot installed.
• Report on the building permit issue at Parks Pond, permit had been issued.
• Discussion of various abatements from mistakes made by assessor. However it appears that under Maine law we cannot refund or abate the mistake.
• Report on Hopkins Pond road signs missing (Route 180).
• Approved Snowmobile Club using the meeting room for the winter.
• Approved girl scouts to have a bake sale during Election Day.
• Discussion on creating and ¼ newsletter that would pay for itself through ads.
• Grading of roads completed, suggested that we may want to consider doing it three times a year.
• Sand bid awarded was $580 more than what was budgeted.
• Special thanks to Jay Perry for flag work on poles.
• Discussion on trash issues. Trash must be contained so no animals or birds or elements can spread contents on ground. No bags over 40 pounds. Trash not to be in road way or interfere with plowing.
• ACO and CEO report
• Discussion on purchasing water and water cooler for town office since the water from the well is not ok to drink. Approved to come from building account.
Planning board report (Paula) and discussion on wind farm coming to Planning Board. Should be do a new ordinance, incorp in the LUO, do a moratorium or get more information – get more information. Asked CEO for his thoughts and he suggested a standalone ordinance as reported in the planning board minutes
CEO Report – discussion on fencing and Gates hearing. It appears that subject owns a construction business and parks his dump truck and small tractor in his yard. Is this a business? Also building permit to Frank on Mill Lane up for discussion as it has expired. Planning board to consider these things.
ACO discussion on Mr. Walsh resigning, Pelkey is interested; she is doing three or four other neighboring towns. Wait until Mr. Walsh resigns.
Question about fire budget from Eddington, no information yet.
Long discussion on SAD63 its expenses, operations, land deals and joint eeting with Eddington Select board next week. Rusty Gagnon provided information to the board – good discussion. Also the 2009 Maine Piglet Book on government waste in Maine
Discussion on selectman and school board positions, papers will be out in December 20back by January 29th with 25 registered voters of the town required to sign.
Discussions on abatements – while the town overtaxed and make mistake we cannot under law provide a refund.
Legal reports that we cannot waive interest to Carle monies owed.
Ed reported on Chick Hill Road condition.
Paula asked where the funds from the Bradley lease/rent go and if the voters of the leglistiative body had approved the board to enter into this agreement. Will be sent out for review.
Will close eve of Thanksgiving and Christmas at 2pm.
Plowing and sanding contract signed. $38,964 for year 09-10
Discussion on properties to be foreclosed on 12/10/09 for failure to pay taxes in 2007. There are fifteen on the list provided.
November 16, 2009 Selectman Meeting Highlights
This was a budget meeting to start work on the 2009-2010 budget and material for spring 2010 meeting. See budget report separate.
October 21, 2009 Selectman Meeting Highlights
• Public Hearing on General Assistance – update of policy
• Mowing contract awarded for $4,600 per year, 3 year contract
• Phyllis Carle asked the selectman to waive the interest on the amount owed the town from the legal proceedings and clean up. Voted to waive interest as long as payments were being made.
• N. Hatch reported on the Route 180 cemetery, new addition and layout. $2,040 to have survey and pins for each plot installed.
• Report on the building permit issue at Parks Pond, permit had been issued.
• Discussion of various abatements from mistakes made by assessor. However it appears that under Maine law we cannot refund or abate the mistake.
• Report on Hopkins Pond road signs missing (Route 180).
• Approved Snowmobile Club using the meeting room for the winter.
• Approved girl scouts to have a bake sale during Election Day.
• Discussion on creating and ¼ newsletter that would pay for itself through ads.
• Grading of roads completed, suggested that we may want to consider doing it three times a year.
• Sand bid awarded was $580 more than what was budgeted.
• Special thanks to Jay Perry for flag work on poles.
• Discussion on trash issues. Trash must be contained so no animals or birds or elements can spread contents on ground. No bags over 40 pounds. Trash not to be in road way or interfere with plowing.
• ACO and CEO report
• Discussion on purchasing water and water cooler for town office since the water from the well is not ok to drink. Approved to come from building account.
Where Have I Been County Budget
Wow Rusty commented to me at last nights selectman meeting that I had not been posting much - or anything in the last month. So long in fact I to look up my password for this blog. For that I am sorry.
My Tic Off of the day is the Increase in County Tax. The county passes its budget which is then billed to each town based on evaulation. There is no say or ability to reject - the town must pay the tax. There was a serious increase to our little town last year - we are almost paying $70,000 a year. Everyone is cutting, state, local, businesses. There are no raises being given by employers, we are lucky to have a job. So how can the three commissioners knowing this vote for another tax increase. The mill rate was 1.071 and is now scheduled to be 1.118. A few thoughts, Rusty with your back ground you might like this. Maine law enforcement uses State Police, Game Wardens, local police and county sheriff. With the way Maine is layout there is one to many layers of law enforcement and the easist to reduce is county sheriff patrol, letting the state police provide the coverage. Heck with the budget the way it is, the county already does sharing and has periods without coverage. This will strike a nerve and I am sure anyone with law enforcement background - especially at the county level will defend the county patrol, so I expect that. But folks times are hard and we need to really look deep into the budget. Second why not let the towns from which folks are arrested pay for the jail? if 51% of the arrests are from Bangor, let Bangor pay 51% of the jail budget. We all knew when county dispatch came on line that local control was going to be lost, but we never expected continuous budget increases
My Tic Off of the day is the Increase in County Tax. The county passes its budget which is then billed to each town based on evaulation. There is no say or ability to reject - the town must pay the tax. There was a serious increase to our little town last year - we are almost paying $70,000 a year. Everyone is cutting, state, local, businesses. There are no raises being given by employers, we are lucky to have a job. So how can the three commissioners knowing this vote for another tax increase. The mill rate was 1.071 and is now scheduled to be 1.118. A few thoughts, Rusty with your back ground you might like this. Maine law enforcement uses State Police, Game Wardens, local police and county sheriff. With the way Maine is layout there is one to many layers of law enforcement and the easist to reduce is county sheriff patrol, letting the state police provide the coverage. Heck with the budget the way it is, the county already does sharing and has periods without coverage. This will strike a nerve and I am sure anyone with law enforcement background - especially at the county level will defend the county patrol, so I expect that. But folks times are hard and we need to really look deep into the budget. Second why not let the towns from which folks are arrested pay for the jail? if 51% of the arrests are from Bangor, let Bangor pay 51% of the jail budget. We all knew when county dispatch came on line that local control was going to be lost, but we never expected continuous budget increases
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