August 25, 2008 Public Hearing – Zoning Ordinance
The Council heard public comment on four changes to the zoning ordinance recommended by the Planning Board.  The changes (1) prohibit Maine DOT Travelers’ Information Signs (2) make it easier to add an accessory apartment to an existing home in all zones; (3) allow major home occupations in the R5 zone with an approved site plan; and (4) clarify language that allows the Planning Board to refer applications for Site Plan approval to consultants, including the town attorney, the town planner, the town engineer, the police and fire chiefs, or other recognized consultants at the applicant’s expense.
There were some questions from the public regarding the reasons for the changes, and what impact the allowance of accessory apartments might have on planning decisions.  Some spoke in favor of the changes.

August 25, 2008 Town Council Meeting-All Councilors were present

Unfinished Business
1. Set date & time for public hearing for Cable TV franchise.  Council voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on September 8 at 6 PM.

New Business
1. Confirm special meeting date of September 10th @ 6:30pm. Town Council will hold a special council meeting (Executive Session) regarding the Town Manager search.
2. Discuss DOT plans for Great Works Bridge.  Maine DOT will be repairing the Great Works Bridge on route 236.  The schedule for the work is for it to begin in January or February 2010.  At this point, the DOT is inclined to close the bridge for the duration of the work (3-6 months) and reroute the traffic on local roads.   The public and Councilors spoke against this plan, citing the damage that that volume of traffic would do to local roads, especially during mud season.  The Council was urged to press the state to build a temporary bridge or to have a one lane system to keep traffic on route 236.  The Council agreed they will send a letter to the Maine DOT requesting a meeting to follow up on this.
3. Discuss/take action on Grant Procurement Policy.  The Town Manager presented a revised Grant Procurement Policy.  The major change is to allow for grants that do not require a cash match to be submitted without first going before the Council.  Other changes clarify the time table for getting paperwork and information to the Council so that grant proposals can get on the agenda in a timely manor.  There was some discussion among Councilors that even though a grant may not require a cash match it may ultimately have some financial impact on the town.  There was discussion that perhaps the Town Manager should keep the Council apprised of all grants being contemplated.  The Council unanimously voted to table this item until the next Town Council meeting to give time for more thought on the matter.

Be Part of the Solution:  Run for School Board or Town Council

One seat on the SAD 35 School Board and two seats on the South Berwick Town Council will be up for election this November.  The deadline to take out papers to run in the election is September 19.  Anyone seeking to run for School Board or Town Council needs to complete a form with the Town Clerk and get at least 25 signatures from registered voters.  To get the form and to find out more about how to run, contact Town Clerk Barbara Bennett at 384-3300 or at the Clerk’s office at Town Hall.

Maine Municipal Association website has an article that describes the rewards and expectations of holding a municipal office in Maine: So You Are Thinking of Running for Local Office … GREAT!

Schools saving money by saving energy
Foster’s Daily Democrat
…For SAD 35 Superintendent Jeff Bearden, the decision to enter into a contract with Honeywell was a no-brainer. The school board agreed, voting to sign a contract with the company last fall…

South Berwick Planning Board seeks input on downtown zoning change
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Fears of a big chain store coming to South Berwick — which for years town officials have maintained are unfounded and have been used as a scare tactic during rezoning initiatives — are sure to be revisited in coming weeks as the Planning Board prepares to…

Former South Berwick manager Grossman files complaint with rights …
Foster’s Daily Democrat -
Former Town Manager Jeff Grossman filed his complaint with the state Human Rights Commission on Friday, setting in motion a legal process that could take months to resolve.

Forging a community of wellness
York Weekly
Diane Brandon was hired in 1996 as the director of the Community Wellness Coalition, the organization founded to bring not only social services to this area but to get disparate people working together for the betterment of the entire region. In June, she retired…

Comcast’s ‘Triple Play’ now offered in southern Maine
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Comcast customers in southern Maine who have wanted the company’s “Triple Play” bundle of cable television, Internet and digital phone service now will be able to access it.

Winter weather? Almanac says ‘Numb’s the word!’
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Households worried about the high cost of keeping warm this winter will draw little comfort from the Farmers’ Almanac, which predicts below-average temperatures for most of the U.S.

Monday, August 25
Public Hearing
Town Council Meeting
6:30 PM - Council Chambers
Agenda
Public Hearing – Zoning Ordinance
Town Council to follow hearing
Unfinished Business
1. Set date & time for public hearing for Cable TV franchise.
New Business
1. Confirm special meeting date of September 10th @ 6:30pm.*
2. Discuss DOT plans for Great Works Bridge.
3. Discuss/take action on Grant Procurement Policy.

Tuesday, August 26
Building Committee Meeting
7:00 AM - Civil Consultants - Conference Room
Agenda
Architect Selection Criteria
-Review tally sheets of Architects’ Statement of Qualifications
-Develop a short list of Architects to interview
Develop Information Packet for Short List Interviews
- Synopsis of Library Project to date
-Site Plan
-Needs Assessment Update
-Prior Library Sketches
-Building Committee Report
-Proposed Process
-Responsible Parties
-Funding Projections
Review Timetable
Interview schedule
Funding Options

Former South Berwick town manager to file complaint with Human …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Emboldened by a recent ruling from the state Department of Labor that found he was pressured to resign, former Town Manager Jeff Grossman is launching an aggressive campaign to get his old job back.

New leadership takes the reins at two SAD 35 schools
Foster’s Daily Democrat
There will be some new faces walking the halls of two School Administrative District 35 schools this fall.

State pushes Kittery to join with Wells school district
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The state is asking the local School Committee to meet with the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District School Committee to talk about consolidating the two districts in an effort to cut costs.

Property valuations are mailed in Eliot
York Weekly
Homeowners may have been shocked with the new property valuations they received in the mail this week, but the town assessor urges residents to use caution when interpreting the numbers.

Morning crash injures Berwick woman
Foster’s Daily Democrat
A Berwick, Maine woman escaped serious injury Wednesday morning after police say her car veered across the center line and nearly collided head on with a Berwick Public Works truck.

Last week I had the opportunity to get out and about and see what South Berwick residents are up to.  I got to witness the community spirit that makes this a great town and I got to spend time with great people.

First stop was the August meeting of South Berwick Networking (SBN).  SBN is an informal network of South Berwick area business owners that meets monthly.  This month SBN met at Dogs XO, just over the town line in Berwick on Rt. 236.  Owner, Eve Baltzell gave an overview of her business, a dog day camp that provides a safe stimulating environment for dogs during the work week.

Patti Fousek owner of CreativeMind Search Marketing, a search engine marketing company located in South Berwick, also gave an overview of her search engine optimization business.  As always, there was time for informal networking.  What a great way to meet other business owners in South Berwick and learn about all the entrepreneurial endeavors springing up around us.  Visit the South Berwick Networking web site to find out how you can get involved.

Next stop was GreenUp! South Berwick, a grassroots group of folks interested in creating a more sustainable community.  The group has been meeting for a few months brainstorming, learning from each other, and planning how to build a culture of sustainability.  Their first public effort will be a sustainability forum about how to save energy and money.  They will host a panel discussion that will provide information on insulation, home energy saving measures, energy audits, and more.  The forum will be held September 25 at South Berwick Town Hall.  Check out GreenUp! South Berwick’s blog for more information about the group.

Last stop was the Great Works Regional Land Trust Art for Land Auction.  Supporters of the Land Trust’s work to conserve important resources gathered to bid on art, donated by artists who also support the Land Trust’s work.  The festivities began with music, food, and drink but the real business of the night was the art.  The crowd engaged in spirited bidding, acquiring lots of great art during the course of the evening.  I learned this is no place for a timid bidder, I will have to practice for next year!

Monday, August 18
Town Council Workshop
9:00 AM - Council Chambers
The Town Council will meet in a a workshop to discuss possible amendments to the Solid Waste Ordinance, a new sidewalk ordinance and a mailbox ordinance.

Tuesday, August 19
Planning Board Meeting \- CANCELLED
6:45 PM - Council Chambers

Tuesday, August 19
Historic District Commission
7:00 PM - Meeting Room 2 - Town Hall
Old Business- National Register update
New Business- Discuss/ take action on certificate of appropriateness submitted by Carol Labella

Wednesday, August 20
NH Homeland Security Emergency & York County Emergency
7:00 PM - Berwick Fire Department 10 School St., Berwick

Wednesday, August 20
Maine School Administrative District No. 35 - Board of Directors - Regular Meeting
Marshwood High School
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 7:00 p.m.
Report of the Superintendent:
1.    Freedom of Access Training
2.    Opening of school
3.    Overview of summer projects
4.    Transportation award
5.    Tech Academy
6.    ELA software
7.    Marshwood Education Foundation
8.    Board Laptops
9.    Other
Report of the Committees:
1.    Report of the Finance and Facilities Committee
2.    Report of the Educational Policy Committee
3.    Report of the Community Relations Committee
New Business:
1.    Consideration and action on Board of Directors ByLaws.
2.    Consideration and action to approve the use of school busses for Eliot Festival Day.

Interim South Berwick Town Manager won’t vie for position
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Despite saying a few weeks ago that she would consider applying for the long-term town manager’s job, interim Town Manager Roberta Orsini said Tuesday she will not be applying for the position after all.

South Berwick tax rate to increase by 11 percent
Foster’s Daily Democrat
After dozens of workshops and council meetings, numerous budget cuts, and a marathon four-hour Town Meeting, the South Berwick 2009 tax rate has been set at $14.90 per $1,000 valuation. The amount represents about an 11 percent increase over last year’s rate.

Public hearings to be held on septic waste rule change in South Berwick
Foster’s Daily Democrat
After meeting with members of the Sewer District last week, officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection have decided to hold public hearings on a rule change that would allow more septic waste to be trucked into the town’s sewer plant.

Native identity
Foster’s Daily Democrat
An exhibit by George Longfish and Carly Glovinski runs through Sept. 12 at the Emporium Gallery, 261 Main Street, South Berwick, Maine.

Front Street Market works to support food pantry
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The Front Street Market, which began five weeks ago in town, dedicated Sunday in part to supporting The Community Food Pantry Inc. and will do so again next Sunday.

New South Berwick-Eliot Rotary Club to host dinner
Foster’s Daily Democrat
A newly created South Berwick-Eliot Rotary Club will celebrate its formation during a “charter dinner” at 6 pm tonight at the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center in Eliot.

Mainers can apply for heating aid now
YorkWeekly
… and Maine residents can make an appointment now to apply for heating assistance for this coming winter season. Community Action Program Agencies across the state, like the York County Community Action Corp., manage the LIHEAP program locally and …

Heavy rainfall worries summer tourism industry
Foster’s Daily Democrat
In what tourism industry officials already expected to be a difficult season with high gasoline prices and a sluggish economy, two weeks of rain, a damaging tornado and flash floods have dealt a blow to businesses in some areas of Maine and New…

Maine credit unions offering fuel assistance loans
Foster’s Daily Democrat
A recent survey by the Maine Credit Union League found that nearly two-thirds of the state’s credit unions are offering some sort of fuel assistance loans with some offering rates as low as 0 percent and an average loan rate of only 4.

Recently South Berwick resident Jennifer Houghton, owner of Little Hat Company and parent of three, mentioned to me how great it is to be raising children in South Berwick.  She agreed to share her thoughts here at the 236 Diner.

In a world that seems to be spinning faster, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bring up a family in a town that allows you to walk not run.   I remember coming home from a business trip to N.Y.C. and literally thanking God that we don’t have even one single stop light in our town.  I had spent two days in a cab trying to get to three scheduled appointments in an absolute scramble for time.  Traffic, crowds, impatience, and smog seemed to be the daily theme and it was hard to catch your breath walking down the streets filled with people, vendors, and construction barriers.  Don’t get me wrong.  The city can be an explosive energy and catalyst for getting major things accomplished.  When the sun goes down and the lights turn on there is something so magical that you feel like a child right before opening a present.

When I would come home to South Berwick I would always let out a sigh of relief knowing that I could just slow down and enjoy each and every moment without someone behind me needing to get somewhere.  One of the main reasons coming home would be so satisfying was knowing that I was raising my children in a small town community surrounded by endless opportunities. (more…)

Poolyle Productions, the artistic collaboration of South Berwick residents Susan Poulin and Gordon Carlisle is in high gear.  They have some upcoming performances in Portsmouth:

August 13, 14, 20 & 27, 2 & 8 pm
Ida: Woman Who Runs With The Moose!
ACT ONE Festival of Fun, West End Studio Theater (WEST),Portsmouth, NH
603-300-2986  http://www.actoneonline.blogspot.com

August 21 & 28, 2 & 8 pm
Spousal Deafness and Other Bones Of Contention
ACT ONE Festival of Fun, West End Studio Theater (WEST), Portsmouth, NH, 603-300-2986
http://www.actoneonline.blogspot.com

Mark you calendars for some future performances:
Shutting Up Peggy Lee! will return to WEST Oct. 17-19 & 24-26.
PREMIERE! A Very Ida Christmas at WEST, December 19-21, Friday @ 7:30pm, Saturday and Sunday @2:00pm & 7:30pm

Gordon Carlisle has been at work on a public mural in Somersworth.  You can see the mural in progress at Gordon’s web site.

Here’s an opportunity to support the Great Works Regional Land Trust, purchase art work from a regional artist, and have a great time.  It’s the 5th Annual Art for Land Auction at Beach Plum Farm, Ogunquit on Saturday, August 16th, 4-9pm. Public preview, under the Tent, starts at noon, music and food at 4 pm, Auction at 6 pm.  Tickets $25, include fabulous food, wine & a spectacular view across the Ogunquit dunes!Call (207) 646-3604 to reserve tickets or email  info@gwrlt.org  Go to gwrlt.org for more information and a preview of some of the art.

The art is on view up until August 16 at the Great Works Regional Land Trust Office in Ogunquit.  Directions and hours can be found at gwrlt.org .

Community Chorus at South Berwick Seeks Singers:
The Community Chorus at South Berwick welcomes new singers from the Seacoast region. Choral experience strongly preferred.  Monday rehearsals begin September 8, 6:30 p.m., at the First Parish Federated Church, Academy and Main Streets in South Berwick, ME, to prepare for Christmas concerts December 6 and 7.  Contact Dr. Harry Moon 207-384-7059 or visit  www.ccsb-sing.org.

French for 4 to 6 year olds:
L’ÉCOLE de NICOLE “Fun with French”
Tuesday, August 19, 10:30-11:15.  A free program for children ages 4 through 6 sponsored by the William Fogg Library in Eliot. FMI: contact Nicole Gastonguay Ritchie at 207-332-8320 or email

If your child enjoys learning French, L’ÉCOLE de NICOLE will start classes on September 16th at The William Fogg Library in Eliot.

…blue sky!  Now we are back in the familiar cloud cover.  Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.  Update:  Later the same day, the blue sky is back.  Yahooo!

Are you a business owner in South Berwick or a surrounding town?  Then you are invited to a South Berwick Networking meeting to meet and mingle with other business owners tonight, Wednesday, August 13th at 6pm at Dogsxo, LLC  Dog Day Camp, 297 Route 236, S. Berwick, ME.  Find out more at the South Berwick Networking web site or read about South Berwick Networking.

Public hearings to be held on septic waste rule change in South …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
After meeting with members of the Sewer District last week, officials from the state Department of Environmental …

Police: simulated bomb was close to being lethal
Dover Community News
Police say the pipe bomb found in a South Berwick, Maine fire lieutenant’s glove box Saturday was one component away from being lethal …

Suspected bomb closes part of downtown Police mum on ‘possible …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
“I don’t know what to think,” Gorman, a lieutenant with the South Berwick, Maine, Fire Department, said at the end of the nearly five-hour ordeal, …

Pumpkinman Triathlon will attract top talent to Seacoast
Portsmouth Herald News
6-7 are the dates and scenic Spring Hill in South Berwick, Maine, is the place for an event that, although in its infancy, has attracted world-class talent. …

Former South Berwick Town Manager wins unemployment claim: Will …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Ever since he accepted a buyout in exchange for his resignation in March, former South Berwick Town Manager Jeff …

Burrows named Ocean Bank So. Berwick branch manager
Portsmouth Herald
Ocean Bank recently announced that Debra Burrows has been named bank officer, market manager, working out of the bank’s 8 Norton St., South Berwick, Maine location.

Eliot festival celebrates all things Maine
York Weekly
Amy McClellan of Eliot said she brought her daughters, Catherine, 4, and Sarah, 2, because it sounded like fun. “We live in Eliot. …

 Here’s the skinny on last night’s meeting.

Town Council/Board Of Assessors Meetings - August 11, 2008

All Councilors were present

Board of Assessors:
1. Set tax rate and sign commitment for 2008/2009.
The Council voted unanimously to accept the 2008/2009 tax rate of $14.90 per thousand.  This includes $4.87 for the town, $9.48 for the schools, and .55 for the county portions.  Last year’s rate was $13.35. (They also voted on the commitment for 2008/2009 but I missed the numbers.) (more…)

The Planning Board is considering rezoning Main Street between Dunkin Donuts and Sewall Road from its current designation as R1 (Residential) to B1 (Business).  There will be a public hearing on the issue on September 16.  In preparation for the hearing the 236diner is offering information about zoning so citizens can learn more about the issue.

This is the second installment in the series.  The first installment covered the general purpose of zoning and and a list of South Berwick’s zoning districts.

South Berwick’s zoning ordinance outlines which land uses are permitted or excluded in each zoning districts.  These land uses are spelled out in Table A - Land Use Index of the zoning ordinances.

For ease of understanding here,  Table A is broken into two tables and only lists zones R1 and B1 and B2 since those are the zones currently under discussion.  The first table shows only those land uses which are permitted in all three zones. (more…)

August 9 and 10 from 10 to 4 PM at Raitt Homestead Farm Museum, 2077 State Road, Route 103, Eliot, Maine

Celebrate all that is good about Maine: the taste of blueberries, potatoes, lobster and bean hole baked beans!  …the sounds of local bands and Maine’s own famous Don Campbell Band!  …live demonstrations and many children’s activities!   …shopping that area artisans have to offer!

Food at The Celebrate Maine:
Highlights include the “Summer Grill” which will feature authentic Bean Hole Baked Beans, Cabot Cheddar Cheeseburgers, Sheilds Hot Dogs and renowned marinated steak tips & chicken breasts from The Meat House. Maine lobster rolls, Maine steamed lobsters and corn on the cob. Brown’s Old Fashioned ice cream, Congdon’s Donuts and the world-renowned, homemade strawberry & Wyman’s Wild Maine blueberry shortcake made with Bakewell Cream can be enjoyed at the “Maine Eats & Treats” segment.  The ever-popular “Shipyard Brew Pub Beer Garden” makes a welcome return, offering a selection of their award-winning beers & ales as well as a variety of Capt’n Eli’s Soda. Much more…

Schedule of Events:
Saturday, August 9 - Gate open from 10 to 4
Admission: $4.00 per person, Children 12 and under are free.
10:00am to 4:00pm
All Day Activities: Craft Show  - Gateway Farmer’s Market -Cow Patty Bingo - Displays & Info from The Maine Department of Agriculture, York Land Trust and others  -  A rock climbing wall -Train Rides in the Raitt Farm barrel train ($4 per ride) -Crafts, Games and demonstrations for children  -Face painting -  Pony rides from Lyman Hill Farm ($4 per person) -Horse drawn wagon rides (free)
10:00 to 12:00: Live Entertainment:  Simons & Goodwin - contemporary and traditional folk and country with a smattering of soft rock and silliness
11:00: “Raising of The Beans” - Bill’s Famous Beans will come up from the bean pit.  Check out the display by the Maine Folklife Center.
12:00 to 3:00: Live Entertainment:  The Don Campbell Band

Sunday, August 10 -Gate open from 10 to 4
10:00 to 2:00:  Antique Car Show by TSC Car Club   9:00 to 12:30: Registration, 2:00: Cruise
10:00: Chef Jeff of FOX23, My Fox Maine, will sample his lime tarts with Wyman’s Wild Maine Blueberry compote.
10:00am to 4:00pm
All Day Activities: Craft Show  - Gateway Farmer’s Market -Cow Patty Bingo - Displays & Info from The Maine Department of Agriculture, York Land Trust and others  -  A rock climbing wall -Train Rides in the Raitt Farm barrel train ($4 per ride) -Crafts, Games and demonstrations for children  -Face painting -  Pony rides from Lyman Hill Farm ($4 per person) -Horse drawn wagon rides (free)
10:00 to 12:00: Live Entertainment -Paul Joyce - Award winning musician who plays, sings, and picks traditional country music
12:00 to 3:00: Live Entertainment - Four Father’s of Rock - They are all fathers who’ve come together and are celebrating their love of Rock & Roll
3:00 to 4:00: Live Entertainment - The Nerve - playing original Rock & Roll inspired by everyone from Elvis to the Beatles and The Who! Closing out the festival with a bang!!Please bring your lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the music on! Sorry, NO COOLERS.
Presented by: The Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce and The Raitt Homestead Farm Museum  — Tickets are $4 pp per day, children 12 & under FREE.
Call 207-363-4422

The Planning Board is currently considering rezoning Main Street between Dunkin Donuts and Sewall Road from its current designation as R1 (Residential) to B1 (Business).  There will be a public hearing on the issue on September 16.  In preparation for the hearing the 236diner will be offering some information about zoning so citizens can learn more about the issue.

Here are some links to get information about zoning ordinances in South Berwick:

South Berwick’s zoning ordinances can be viewed at Town Hall and can be found online at the Planning Department area of the Town’s web site.

South Berwick Planning Board meeting minutes from 2002 until the present can be found on the Town web site under Planning Board Minutes.

The following are some excerpts from SB’s zoning ordinances to answer some basic questions about zoning:

What is the purpose of our zoning ordinance?

Section 140-3. lists the purpose of South Berwick’s zoning ordinances:

1. To prevent and control water pollution and protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic life and bird and wildlife habitats.
2. To conserve shore cover, visual as well as actual points of access to inland and coastal waters and points of natural beauty.
3. To provide for the public health and safety, environmental quality and economic well-being of the community.
4. To regulate land uses, building sites and placement of structures.
5. To conserve the historical and architectural integrity of the existing historic sites, landmarks and districts and to assure that future development is compatible both in character and in use.
6. To further the ideals and guidelines outlined in the South Berwick Comprehensive Plan.

What zones does South Berwick have and what is the purpose of each zone?
(more…)

Celebrate Maine Festival kicks off this weekend
Portsmouth Herald News
As the heat, humidity and the dog days of summer approach, we want to remind ourselves of all the good things about this great state of Maine. …

Marshwood girls basketball team returns from Ireland
York Weekly
Fourteen girls from Marshwood High School are speaking with a bit of a brogue these days, after just returning from a 10-day …

Free admission to state parks
KeepMEcurrent.com
Admission to all state parks and historic sites will be free for Maine residents during the Department of Conservation’s annual Maine Day on Sunday, Aug. 10…

Maine’s Property Tax and Rent Refund Program begins Aug. 1
Portsmouth Herald
The application period for Maine’s Property Tax and Rent Refund Program will begin Aug. 1 for taxes and rent paid…

New power lines are approved
York Weekly
PUC’s decision was a response to a complaint filed in November 2007 by 10 residents of Eliot and South Berwick, led by Mary Fournier. …

Utility Commission OKs CMP line upgrade
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Many people who live in the Woodland Hills condominium complex in South Berwick said they are furious the rebuild project will require patches of tree line …

South Berwick Shop and Swap
Portsmouth Herald
Buy and sell stuff locally. Clean out the basement, attic and garage and make all your old belongings work for you…

Andy Schachat: Pumpkinman Triathlon is sure to thrill
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The race, or races this year, are taking place in South Berwick, Maine, on Sept. 6 and 7 and, based on conversations with the organizers, the second edition …

South Berwick resident’s request for meeting notes has councilors …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
By law, residents can request copies of notes that town councilors take during their meetings. …

Kittery loses DARE program and School Resource Officer
Portsmouth Herald
As a result of the deep budget cuts made by the Town Council in order to achieve a nearly level property tax rate in fiscal year 2008-09, the schools will be losing not only their DARE funding, but the school …

Kittery’s Route 1 reconstruction project ready to go
Portsmouth Herald News
Maine Department of Transportation officials say construction on the Route 1 upgrade could begin within the next couple of weeks. …

Kittery legislative energy forum set for Aug. 13
York Weekly
The public is invited to a community forum to discuss energy-related issues and what citizens can do to prepare for the upcoming winter. …

Pondering public transport: We need more
Portsmouth Herald News
Wouldn’t it be great to have a bus or trolley from Portsmouth to Kittery to Eliot to South Berwick to North Berwick? And from Portsmouth to the outlets in …

Bleak forecast this year for Maine heating oil assistance
Foster’s Daily Democrat
With the former diminished and the latter at an all-time high, Desilets, the social services director for South Berwick, Maine, doesn’t see the numbers …

Prohibition battles rattled York County
York County Coast Star
Maine was the first state to adopt a law against the manufacture and sale of spirituous liquors in 1851, but by then the Kennebunks had …

a bug looking at me.

Monday, August 4
Town Council Workshop-6:30 PM - Council Chambers
The Town Council will meet in a workshop with a representative from Maine Municipal Association to begin their search for a permanent Town Manager.

Tuesday, August 5
Planning Board -7:00 PM - Council Chambers
On the Agenda:
Election Of Officers - Rescheduled from the July 15, 2008 meeting.
Old Business
1.  Rules of Procedure and Code of Ethics: Planning Board Bylaws - Continued.
2.  Schedule a Public Hearing on B-1 Zone Expansion for August 19, 2008 at 7:00 PM.
New Business
1.  SP #08-01; Paul Mesmer, Map 21 Lot 29 - Change of Use: Addition of Second Floor Apartment.

Wednesday, August 6
Economic Development Committee Meeting - 1:00 PM - Council Chambers
Old Business:
1)  Ribbon Cuttings:
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings - Bubbletime on hold until the laundromat has a grand opening.
2)  Subcommittee Update:
Board of Trade: Status Update - Kathy Wolfe.
3)  Economic Development Facilitator: Training session - Karyn Scharf Morin.
–Bylaws, Review of Officers, meeting times, and amendments.