Public hearing set on Guilford’s proposed chicken-raising ordinance

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    GUILFORD — A petition circulated by a local high school student to change Guilford’s zoning laws to permit a limited number of chickens to be raised in town took another step forward last week.
    The Guilford Planning Board forwarded a proposed amendment to the town’s land use ordinance to the Board of Selectmen last week, according to Town Manager Tom Goulette.

    “A public hearing is required to inform townspeople about any proposed changes to the land use ordinance,” Goulette wrote. “At the town meeting only ‘yes’ or ‘no’ votes are accepted; there can be no further amending. Consequently, a hearing will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at the selectmen’s office.”
    PCHS senior Haylee Williams circulated a petition to have the law changed to allow families to keep up to nine hens — no roosters — for their personal use, provided that they adhere to guidelines on safety and cleanliness. She presented her petition to the planning board on Nov. 19.
    While some planners suggested minor changes to the document, many praised Williams for her initiative and said they had no problem with the proposal.
    A public hearing will also be held on Feb. 3 to discuss a shoreland zoning ordinance update. Goulette said that under the law, the town must either adopt its own ordinance or follow state guidelines.
    The new Piscataquis County budget was presented and discussed which showed an increase of 3.5 percent. The overall county valuation has dropped by 7 percent while Guilford’s valuation has remained stable. Goulette said that the town will see a 5.8 percent rise or $10,034 in its assessment, which translates into a total county tax bill of $182,354.
    The town manager also announced that Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union, which had initially agreed to help with the cost of the replacement sidewalk in front of their Hudson Avenue location, has decided to pay the entire bill of $6,700. “This act of civil consciousness is very much appreciated,” he wrote. “They have done a great job refreshing their appearance which will be more evident in the spring.”
    Other items taken up at the Jan. 6 selectmen’s meeting was a donation from State Rep. Paul Stearns and his wife, Melissa, toward the 2015 River Festival fireworks display. The pyrotechnics have been a “tremendous hit” at recent River Festivals, Goulette noted.
    Also, a gift from the estate of Beverly Herrick for $1,000 was delivered by Paul Herrick for the benefit of town cemeteries and gratefully accepted by town officials.
    Michelle Nichols was reappointed registrar of voters for a two-year term; and after a short executive session, the board voted to give town employees a 25 cent per-hour raise starting Jan. 5. Goulette was awarded a 2 percent salary increase.
    The next scheduled Guilford Board of Selectmen’s meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 3 – the same night as the two public hearings.