By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

While the Covid-19 scare is real, trick-or-treaters can at least feel safe as they go door-to-door in the Elm Street neighborhood.

Citing “tradition,” Bridgton will close down Elm, Hillcrest, Bennett, Iredale and Chase Streets to vehicle traffic for a few hours on Halloween to allow safe passage for trick-or-treaters. 

Officials stressed the decision as one of safetyand not sanctioningparents and their children going door-to-door during this Covid-19 time. In talking with residents of this neighborhood, many indicated they planned to offer candy to youngsters, prompting the plan to close off those roadways.

Last week, nearby Raymond and the Sheriff’s Office issued a statement “not recommending” citizens to participate in traditional trick-or-treating in the Main Street area “where traditionally over a thousand children and adults gather in a short window of time.” Officials suggested people participate in low risk activities like virtual Halloween costume contests, a movie night and house decorating.

Rec Director Gary Colello informed selectmen that due to Covid-19 restrictions, the annual Halloween Party held at the town hall is canceled. Other activities that can be “safely” held will include a pumpkin-carving contest in the Town Commons (2 p.m.), virtual costume contest (5 p.m.), scavenger hunt (items placed on Pondicherry Park trails to be photographed and sent via social media or e-mail to organizers) and possibly a daylight-hour Spook Walk at the Bridgton Memorial School grounds with the help of Lake Region Drama Club members (this idea is still in the works since Colello sought selectmen’s input before pursuing it).

Colello looked to gauge public opinions via an online survey regarding Halloween events. Some results:

69%indicated families will be participating in some sort of Halloween festivity

55%will be trick or treating in Bridgton, 16% have not decided yet

26%will be distributing candy to trick or treaters. 50% do not live in in a place that get trick or treaters.

89%would support a status quo closure of Elm St this Halloween

75%Love Chocolate the Most

53%would not attend any Halloween event indoors

Colello said that at any “town event,” he will follow CDC guidelines as well as protocols — such as temperature checks, use of sanitizer and masks — that have been successful during Rec childcare programs.

In other business:

To sell or not to sell? Patty McDonald-Sholz and Peter Motel have their eyes on town-owned property and hope local officials might be willing to sell the lots.

McDonald-Sholz, who attended Tuesday’s meeting, asked to purchase a small parcel on Gibbs Avenue, across from her home, to build an oversized two-car garage. Code Officer Brenda Day reportedly looked over the plan and believes it would meet standards. The town has the lot assessed at $10,520.

Motel made his pitch virtually, looking to buy a 9.33-acre non-waterfront parcel fronting on Cedar Drive. 

“My intention, to do nothing,” he said.

If approved, Motel would tag a conservation easement on the lot to keep it in its natural state — free of development. He has approached the town three times to buy the land — in 2016 offering $43,000 and in 2017 offering $40,000 and $33,862.

Town Manager Bob Peabody outlined the process to follow if the Selectboard indeed decided to sell the two requested properties. One, they would declare the land “surplus.” Second, the board would decide how to dispose of the property, either by sealed bid, public auction or through a real estate broker. And three, the proposed sale would need to be advertised, as well as notification made to abutters.

In regards to the McDonald-Sholz request, Selectmen Zaidman, Paul Tworog and Fred Packard wanted to check in with Fire Chief Tom Harriman to determine if the department had any use for the property (possible parking). Selectperson Lone previously mentioned that maybe the town should hold onto the property as it continues to consider design options connected to streetscape.

The board tabled action until their Oct. 27 meeting.

As for Motel’s request, the same process would be in play if town officials decide to sell.

Zaidman suggested that the lot be appraised to determine what value the town should seek. Initially, officials talked about gaining maximum value by possibly developing multiple house lots (some with “views”), but backed away from that scenario feeling the municipality has no business in property development. But, Zaidman wants the town to get fair value, so he suggested having a forester look over the lot and report on its development potential.

Proceeds from this sale would be placed in the Moose Pond Trust Fund.

The Selectboard asked Peabody to ascertain the cost of a real estate appraisal, and report back at the next meeting. If the town decides to hold onto the lot, at the very least, Zaidman said information gathered would tell future boards what the property is worth.

Tweaks to ordinances. While the June 2021 town meeting is a ways off, the wheels are turning to update and tweak three town ordinances — Consumer Fireworks, Disorderly Houses and Nudity/Business Activities — whose changes will be up for voter approval.

During an hour workshop Tuesday, Ordinance Review Committee chairman Leonard Rudin highlighted the proposed changes to selectmen. Key points raised included:

Disorderly Housing — The town’s authority is clearly defined, as well as who administers the ordinance (police and code enforcement); the threshold for declaring a disorderly house is tightened from three disorderly events in 90 days as opposed to the current 60 days; the officer responding should have sole discretion in deciding if a violation has occurred.

As recommended by Police Chief Phil Jones, the committee excluded domestic violence as one of the disorderly events (these include loud music, boisterous gatherings, excessive, loud or unnecessary noise, altercations at the property such as fighting). The chief pointed out that victims of abuse would hesitate to report an incident if they thought doing so would jeopardize having a place to live.

Nudity — The committee created a definition of “explicit body parts” to be used rather than the previous lengthy phrase. “This change makes the ordinance easier to read, increases consistency throughout the ordinance and consequently makes the ordinance easier to understand,” the committee wrote.

Fireworks — Maybe the most controversial, the committee strived for a balance between the right to celebration and the right for peace of mind. The goal was to clarify hours that fireworks are allowed; add an age requirement to conform with state statute; and add locations where fireworks may be used safely.

• When — Continue to allow fireworks on holidays (July 2-6, Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.) and non-holiday weekends (starting Friday at 10 a.m. until Sunday at 10 p.m. year-round); disallow use Monday through Thursday.

• Age — No one under the age of 21 may sell, purchase, possess or use fireworks.

• Locations — 100 feet from a structure. Structures do not include parking lots, docks or boat houses. Use of fireworks on property with written consent of owner.

The ordinance will be enforced by the Department of Public Safety (police).

Fines would be increased from: $50 to $75 first offense, $250 to $300 for second offense, and $500 to $600 for third or subsequent offense.

The Selectboard had varied opinions. Selectman Bear Zaidman felt the ordinance should be left “as is,” citing Bridgton is a tourist town and he did not agree with restricting days fireworks could be used, noting some folks come here to celebrate special events like anniversaries, weddings and birthdays and make fireworks as part of the festivities.

Selectperson Carmen Lone felt keeping Monday through Thursday off limits (other than holidays) is a reasonable expectation for those who live here, and may have to work the next day or have young children that need to be able to sleep without the “bang” of fireworks.

“There is no reason to have open season blowing things up seven days a week,” said Lone, also noting some local veterans suffered from PTSD and should not be subjected to unlimited fireworks displays. “We’re giving plenty of opportunity for people to plan special events and enjoy fireworks.”

Selectman Lee Eastman suggested the 10 a.m. start time be changed to 5 p.m. An earlier time was suggested to allow individuals time to pretest fireworks before planned displays.

Concerning docks, Zaidman noted a dock must somehow be “connected” to private property to be used to ignite fireworks — that’s state law. 

Selectmen asked that the proposed changes and wording be reviewed by Maine Municipal Association, and brought back to the board for final review.

Road closed for rededication. A portion of Depot Street will be closed to vehicle traffic Oct. 23-24 to accommodate a rededication ceremony at American Legion Post 67. The street will be blocked from the Legion building to the bridge, starting late Friday through Saturday at 8 p.m.

Short takes. A $370 donation from the Ed Rock Community Spirit Fund was accepted. The money will support the Summer Rec Program.

Selectmen approved the following street names — Twilight View for the private way owned by the Packard Family Trust, and Mackenzie Lane for the private way owned by Lakefront Builders.

Planning Board Chairperson Deb Brusini suggested that since the downstairs meeting room is heavily used that the town should look into some type of air filtration device as another safety precaution in this Covid-19 world.