Corridor moratorium ordinance extended through November
By Stuart Hedstrom
Staff Writer
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Nearly two years ago residents approved an ordinance concerning private distribution corridors, including paved highways, pipelines and high tension transmission lines. The moratorium enacted in 2014 — meaning permits for these types of development projects cannot be granted during the timeline — was in effect for 180 days. The moratorium has since been extended three times with the current extension in place through June.
During a May 9 meeting of the selectmen another 180-day timeframe running through the end of November was approved. Town Manager Jack Clukey had said that as long as reasonable progress was being made to address the needs identified in the moratorium, such as updating the comprehensive plan, extensions can be granted.
Selectman Steve Grammont said the moratorium was discussed at the last meeting of the comprehensive planning committee. “The process of getting the comprehensive plan passed and the following ordinances will be another year or so,” he said, meaning there will likely be at least one more moratorium extension to be voted on toward the end of the year.
“We do have our comprehensive plan submitted to the state, we did that last week,” Clukey said, with a response expected by the end of June. He said a finalized plan is scheduled to be on the November ballot.
“We will have to name an ordinance committee, probably soon after November,” Clukey said, provided the comprehensive plan is approved by residents. The updated ordinances would then be brought forward for a vote in November of 2017.
In other business, the board approved a proclamation for Arbor Week to be recognized May 15-20.
“We have been doing this for probably four years now since being designated as a Tree City USA,” Clukey said. “Every year we try to do something that week.”
The town manager said trees have been planted in the past at the SeDoMoCha School and Kiwanis Week during Arbor Week. This year the plan is for a hydrangea tree to be placed at the Marion Doore Park off of Pleasant Street, per the suggestion of the Miosac Club which takes care of the green space for the community.
Select Vice Chair Cindy Freeman Cyr said she talked with Marc Poulin, one of Dover-Foxcroft’s RSU 68 school board representatives, about how she and other town officials learned about a change in superintendent through the Piscataquis Observer and not in advance.
“I asked him to bring our concerns to the school board,” Freeman Cyr said. “I just don’t want to lose sight of the need for more communication between the two boards.” She said Poulin told her the position search was an open process with several candidates interviewed.
Stacy Shorey will be taking over as RSU 68 superintendent on July 1, succeeding Robert Lucy who after two years opted not to seek a contract extension.
“I can’t say this was entirely different than in the past,” Clukey said about previous superintendent hiring processes.
“I like the idea of asking our school board representatives to come to our meeting,” Freeman Cyr said about one method of improving communication.
During the closing open session, Dr. Lesley Fernow provided an update on the Central Hall project. “It’s really coming along beautifully,” she said, thanking Select Chair Elwood Edgerly for all the work he has done on the building renovations. “Our plan is this year to have a New Year’s Ball.”
Dr. Fernow said again this year the WindowDressers will be constructing the inserts that “can significantly reduce your heat loss and heating expenses.” She said the WindowDressers are a part of the Maine Highlands Senior Center, and the hope is for this year’s build to take place at Central Hall. She said 2015 about 50 volunteers assembled 240 window inserts for homes in Dover-Foxcroft and beyond.