Property standards approved

By Stuart Hedstrom

Staff Writer

DEXTER — In order to get a minimum standard for the maintenance of the premises surrounding buildings and vacant lots, the Dexter Town Council gave its approval to a property maintenance ordinance during a monthly meeting on Aug. 13.

“This was prepared and approved by the planning board and then sent on to the town council,” Town Manager Shelley Watson said.

The ordinance, which will go into effect in 30 days unless the council revisits the document per a citizen’s request, specifies all premises and yard areas shall be maintained in a safe condition and all yards and lots shall be kept free of accumulations of trash, garbage, refuse, junk or other materials which may cause a hazard to public health, sanitation and safety or may act as a breeding place for vermin.

When asked, Council Chair Michael Blake said the code enforcement officer will enforce the ordinance provisions. In the event of a violation the code enforcement officer will serve the property owner a written notice by certified mail or by hand delivery.

“When you have the police department hand deliver the letter it’s very effective, much more effective than the code enforcement officer,” Watson said.

Notices received will explain the nature of the violation and allow no more than 30 days to clean up the property. Failure to comply could result in civil penalties, such as a fine ranging from $100 to $2,500 based on each day the violation continues.

“Mostly you go by complaints, if you have a problem with a neighbor’s property file a complaint,” Watson said.

“If you really look at it it’s talking about garbage, stuff that’s not safe,” Blake said.

“We are trying to encourage people to come to this town and if you see garbage all over the place driving up Spring Street you’re not going to come here,” Councilor Sharon Grant said.

In other business, the council voted to accept an annual contribution from Bob and Marise Hartley for what will be known as the Dexter Civic Pride Fund.

“I got a phone call and this couple came up and met with me earlier in the month,” Watson said, saying Marise Hartley is originally from Dexter. “They have set up this charitable grant because they are lucky enough to do this,” she said, saying four other funds have also been established by the Hartleys.

The fund will provide $1,800 to $2,000 annually. “We should be receiving a check any day,” Watson said, with ensuing contributions likely to be given to the town around February.

“It’s pretty much wide open as long as it’s used for the public good,” she said about what the monies can be used for. “This will be coming forever.”

Council member Alan Wintle suggested the Dexter Revitalization Committee as one potential recipient of the first funds. “I wouldn’t object to seeing that go to the committee, at least for this year,” he said.

“I’m sure there will be many good ideas,” Council Ron Apel said about possible grant recipients in town.

Watson said she also wanted to recognize Town Clerk Kim Hughes for attaining the distinction of being recertified as a Certified Clerk of Maine. Watson said this honor takes a considerable amount of attendance at various classes related to the position of town clerk.

The town manager also said that nomination papers for the town council, school board and hospital board are now available for the November election. “There are quite a few openings so we would like to see a full ballot,” Watson said.