Recap of August 25, 2008 Town Council Meeting
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.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:09 am
It seemed to me that the entire council was in agreement to sending the letter to the DOT about the State providing the temporaty bridge.
To do otherwise would have either taxed our local roads severely, or required people to go through Dover, down 101 to get back on 236.
That plan would not have gone over well with either Rollinsford or Dover, or with the many people who travel 236 daily.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Speaking as a resident of Brattle Street, which is taking the brunt of the Vine Street bridge closure, totally closing teh 236 bridge over teh Great Works would be a disaster.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Bill,
There was quite a bit of concern as to whether the Brattle Street bridge or the Old Fields Road bridge would be able to handel the additional traffic, especially the 18 wheelers.
That’s one of the reasons that they are pushing for the temporary bridge.
The town would have been on the hook if anything happened to those bridges, since the State wasn’t going to provide an alternate route.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
We got a taste of the road closure a month or so ago when 236 was closed for the morning commute due to an accident right in that area.
The traffic going by my place on Old South Road and the speeds they were travelling at was out of control. Additionaly, a larger vehicle took down a cable wire going to a house trying to negotiate the intersection of Pine Street and Old South Road. I can’t imagine 3-6 months of that.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
The Old Fields Road bridge is already posted for something like 5 or 8 tons… Not enough for most delivery trucks let alone big trucks.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Nick,
Those are the reasons they are pushing for the temporary bridge.
August 26th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
send em down brattle!!! hee hee!
August 26th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
very intelligent, oh lower case tim
August 26th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Yes, the timber bridge at Shorey Brook on Old Fields needs attention; it would never hold up.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Not only the roads mentioned above, also rt 91 and Withctrot rd would see increased volumes. Even with one lane closure locals and a few smart commuters will find a back way to avoid delays. Morning and evening commute on 236 needs to flow as freely as possible.
August 31st, 2008 at 3:11 pm
ANON,GREAT COMEBACK DORK!!!!
August 31st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Any idea where they are going to put this temporary bridge?? There doesn’t look to be enough land on either side to put much of anything.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:02 am
South side has the room as the north side has lots of utility work. It will fit!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
perfect timing for the snowbirds.. go to Florida!
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:28 pm
tim,
thanks for your confidence. i try!