Bridgton Select Board short takes
Short takes from the Sept. 13 Bridgton Select Board meeting:
Solar moratorium extended. With the moratorium on commercial solar facilities set to expire at the end of this month, the Select Board voted to extend it. However, the board changed the length of the extension from 90 days to 60 days, with an expiration on Election Day.
The moratorium allowed the Planning Board a chance to review and adjust current Land Use standards regarding commercial solar farms. Those amendments will be voted upon on Nov. 8.
Selectman Bob McHatton opposed continuing a moratorium, siding more toward keeping the door open for businesses to develop here. McHatton noted standards currently exist.
“We’re looking at energies from different ways, but then turn around and make it so restrictive…The number of adjustments to Land Use (Ordinance), I feel, are ridiculous,” he noted. “If someone wants to open a business during that time (October to Election Day), good luck to them.”
Extending the moratorium for 60 days passed 3-1 (McHatton against).
Going the payment plan route. With Cumberland County transitioning to a 6-month budget (January to June) and a 12-month budget (July to June 2024), towns have been offered the ability to pay their county tax for the six-month budget all up front in Year 1 or spread the payments over a five-year period.
While Bridgton has the capital to pay the bill up front, Town Manager Robert Peabody pointed out, “The money is better in our pocket than theirs” and recommended the board go the payment plan route. The board agreed, 4-0.
Volley returned. Bill Preis and his fellow ping pong players appreciate the efforts made by the Rec Department that enables the group to play in the Town Hall each week.
As a sign of that appreciation and support over the past 17 years, Preis and players made a $300 donation to the Rec Department for its annual Halloween party. “Regulars” chip in a $1 each week, while Preis extended an invitation to new players to try it out for free. “It’s great physical activity and it’s fun,” he said.
Bridgton hosted the Maine Senior Games table tennis competition, drawing 27 (“it was a little down due to Covid concerns,” Preis noted). Bridgton players fared quite well, bringing home three gold medals and a silver.
Welcome aboard. Nominations of Margaret (Maggie) Lynn to the Community Development Advisory Committee and David Welbourn to the Investment Committee were approved. Both were considered “wonderful additions,” the Select Board noted.
Lynn is the Development and Outreach Manager at Loon Echo Land Trust. “As a young person who has chosen to live and work in Bridgton, I am excited to contribute to a sustainable and vibrant future for Bridgton,” she wrote on her application.
Welbourn is a retired Chief Advancement Officer at the Lahey Clinic and CEO of Essex County Community Foundation. After coming to Gallinari’s Camps for 50 years and built there in 2013, Welbourn made Bridgton his full-time home in 2021.
Tax assistance. Bridgton approved a senior property tax assistance program for people 70 years of age and older, who have resided here for at least 20 continuous years. One applicant per household. Awards are income based.
Ten applicants were approved for assistance, totaling $2,064.47 — awards ranging from a high of $340.10 to a low of $59.93.
Poker Run approvedfor the Lake Region ATV Club on Sept. 25 at Five Fields Orchard in South Bridgton. The Texas Hold’em ride proceeds will benefit Safe & Sound Wildlife Rehabilitation in Casco.
One candidate. Carrye Castleman-Ross will be the lone candidate on the Nov. 8 ballot seeking to fill out the vacated Select Board term left by Fred Packard.
Next meetingof the Bridgton Select Board is Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 5 p.m.