By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

While it seems little is happening at the empty buildings near Pondicherry Square, property owner Dan Macdonald said action is expected soon with the possible sale of the former bakery and garage sites.

The middle property, 271 Main Street, was the target of town action if deemed a dangerous building after officials expressed safety concerns regarding a deteriorating fasçade.

Dan Macdonald, who was also representing co-owner/his brother [Robert], informed selectmen that environmental testing has been done at the site and data is being sent to the DEP to ultimately secure a Voluntary Response Action Program [VRAP] letter, which is sought as part of a land purchase. Macdonald noted an individual is interested in purchasing all three lots.

Meanwhile, Macdonald has reached out to a contractor about removing [“as soon as possible”] the fasçade portion of the building. Macdonald vowed the fasçade would be removed by Oct. 15. Selectmen decided to table action regarding the dangerous building status until Oct. 22, which they will review the situation.

However it all plays out, Macdonald said the buildings will be demolished by year’s end, if not sooner.

In other Bridgton Board of Selectmen business:

Bid over broker. Figuring they could go two ways in disposing of the tax-acquired First and Last Resort Motel property on Route 302, selectmen asked the town manager to reach out to brokers first for proposals.

Just two responded.

Mark Lopez figures that since demolition of the current motel is part of the sale package, the property is likely not a “hot” item as suggested by just two brokers submitting proposals.

Selectmen agreed, and decided to pursue option #2, putting the property out for bid. The town reserves the right to reject all bids.

Junkyard permit denied. A year ago, selectmen approved an automobile junkyard permit to Powerhouse Salvage [operated by Paul Gallinari] after lengthy discussion after concerns were raised by resident David Martin.

Martin urged denial of the permit, questioning whether Powerhouse Salvage was indeed a salvage operation. Officials approved the request, but stipulated that fencing be installed to screen the junkyard.

Martin was back before the board Tuesday night, again questioning whether Powerhouse Salvage is a “viable” business. He suggested that the business has no state license to resell parts, and asked Code Enforcement Officer Rob Baker if he checked to see if sales had been made, if sales tax had been charged.

Baker did visit the junkyard, and said while he did not check into the sales tax matter, he did note that “decent quality” fencing was needed at the site or junk vehicles had to be removed.

“Sadly, I’ve had to go to too many funerals the past few years to pay my respect,” Martin said. “And to look over and see that mess is wrong.”

While Ovide Corbeil, who was also up for a junkyard permit, said everyone should have the right to use their property as they wish, he added that people must also be reasonable — in this case, (Gallinari) “should step up and put up a fence.”

Selectmen approved a permit for Ovide’s Used Cars, but denied one for Powerhouse Salvage,

Patrolman at the Academy. Bridgton Police Department new hire Matt Regis is in his fifth week at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro. He is expected to graduate on Dec. 6.

BPD has completed interviews for Officer Brandon George’s replacement, and is conducting background checks. A final candidate should emerge within the next few weeks.

New health officer. When Catherine Pinkham was named the new health officer in neighboring Harrison, Town Manager Tim Pellerin asked her why she did not seek the same post in her hometown, Bridgton.

“I didn’t even think about it,” Pinkham said.

She mulled over the idea, and decided to apply for the Bridgton job. Selectmen approved her appointment Tuesday night, 5–0.

Pinkham is a former member of the Bridgton Planning Board. She looks forward to the new role, noting that the completed an online class Monday night to earn a three-year health officer certification. Pinkham also recently met with Kristina Jenkins of the CDC (“the go-to person) regarding influenza and flu.

“We thank you for coming forward,” Bridgton Town Manager Bob Peabody said. “Not a lot of people want to be a health officer.”

By state statue, a health officer is a required position.

“When I first got involved in politics, I was told I wear my heart on my shoulder,” she told the board. “That’s just who I am. A lot of common sense.”

Re-appointed. John Schuettinger was re-appointed to the Board of Appeals.

BFD training. The Fire Department has three firefighters attending Firefighter I and 2 training classes (300 or more hours each) over the next few months in Oxford.

Helping Farmington brothers. Local firefighters will look to help out those who were victims of the Farmington explosion by hosting a barbecue fundraiser this Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Central Station (Gibbs Avenue). The public is invited to meet and greet local race car drivers and enjoy a barbecue prepared by Chris McDaniels and staff.

Ordinance Review workshop for review of the Disorderly House Ordinance and Fireworks Ordinance will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

Upgrade needed? Chairman Lee Eastman thinks it might be time for the town to upgrade its payroll system, moving away from “written” to a more progressive “automated” system. Officials will hold a workshop in January to consider options. Another topic of board discussion [on Oct. 8] will be the personnel policy.

How best to maintain? Looking around the town, Selectman Bear Zaidman spotted several big and small items (such as continued problems with icing on the municipal complex roof) that could use some maintenance. At a previous board meeting, he suggested that a more detailed maintenance plan be created. Tuesday night, Eastman brought the matter forward again, this time looking for a more definitive plan of action.

“The last time we talked, I didn’t feel there was any clarity,” he said. “We need to know what projects are coming up,” prior to budget considerations.

Selectwoman Carmen Lone pointed out that while selectmen may develop their own “snapshot” as to maintenance work needing to be addressed, that list may differ from Public Works Director Jim Kidder’s priorities. She feels the board can provide some guidance and help develop a strategy regarding buildings and parks.

Kidder agreed, emphasizing that “staff works with the board, and the board works with staff.”

A workshop will be scheduled in November to start the ball rolling.

No word yet on the town-requested traffic study of the Meadow and Portland Road (Route 302) intersection by Maine Department of Transportation. Eastman recalled seeing two sensors along that stretch for a two-day period this summer, but selectmen have yet to see any findings from MDOT.

No Department of Motor Vehicle services in Bridgton this Thursday, Sept. 26.

Marker dedication. Liam Opie, with the support of American Legion Post 67, will perform a Flag and Marker Dedication Ceremony at the Ridge Cemetery [Middle Ridge Road] to honor John F. Potter, who was commissioned as a captain of the Maine State Militia in 1837, and served as a North Bridgton Postmaster, Bridgton selectman and four-term Oxford County sheriff. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m.

Trail work. The Bridgton Easy Riders Snowmobile Club will be performing trail work this Saturday, Sept. 28. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Bridgton Community Center at 9 a.m. for a four-hour maintenance session. For more information, contact Club president Blaine Chapman at 647-5225.

Rec short takes. Open gym at the Town Hall from 5 to 9 p.m. every Friday night.

Need a ride to the Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 1? Bridgton and Harrison Rec Departments will be offering a round-trip bus ride to the Fryeburg Fair. Bridgton and Harrison residents ride free, nonresidents pay $5. The bus leaves the Harrison Town Office at 9:30 a.m., and Bridgton Town Office at 9:45 a.m.

Volunteers are needed for the annual Halloween Party on Thursday, Oct. 31 at the Town Hall. Contact Rec Director Gary Colello at 647-8786 for more information on how you can help.

Next meetings: The next scheduled selectmen’s meetings are Tuesday, Oct. 8, and Oct. 22, at 5 p.m.