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Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. Vol. 148, No. 2
20 PAGES - 2 Sections
Bridgton, Maine
January 12, 2017
(USPS 065-020)
Weather . . . . . . . . . . 10A
www.bridgton.com
SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS
Engineer outlines wastewater options By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer Bridgton’s economic future is directly tied to the town’s ability to handle wastewater. Brent Bridges, a senior principal with the engineering firm of Woodard & Curran of Portland, is close to laying out options Bridgton can consider to improve and expand its wastewater treatment facilities. By the end of the month, Bridges will provide selectmen with a detailed report regarding cost estimates associated with three primary treatment options, as well as system expansion. Currently, the town utilizes two “beds”
— one off Wayside Avenue (known as the “Dodge” bed) and beneath Junior Harmon Field off Lower Main Street. The two disposal fields currently handle a flow rate of about 30,000 gallons of wastewater per day. Those fields are equipped to handle a maximum flow of 40,000 gallons per day. Currently, there are 102 users on the system. Proposed expansion of the system would increase flow by an additional 95,000 gallons per day to 126,000, thus also increasing the potential user number from 102 to over 400. New “connections” could include residential and commercial properties.
While sewer lines is one piece of the puzzle, disposal is another. Treated wastewater can either be sent “on the ground” or “in the ground.” Bridges said current disposal practices include traditional “back in the ground” leach fields, which would require 20 to 22 acres, or “spray irrigation” in which treated wastewater is “sprayed” onto a field or into woodlands, or “pressure dispersed,” which water is pumped into the ground surface. Bridges noted that water “sprayed” has been treated, and has no odor. Testing and monitoring are done to be sure licensing standards are met, Bridges said.
Lead level closes school
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO — Lead levels discovered in the entryway of the Grange Hall have caused the temporary closure of the Casco Head Start Program for preschoolers. Going forward, the Town of Casco — which owns the Grange Hall located on Meadow Road — is trying to get cost estimates on lead remediation. Casco Town Manager Dave Morton reported the lead issues to the Casco Board of Selectmen during its regular meeting on Tuesday. The town paid for a lead level check of the building recently. The results of the testing are that there are harmful lead levels in an area frequently used by the public. The town has 30 days after being notified by the State of Maine about the harmful lead levels to remedy the situation or close the building, according to Morton. “Inside, the building it seems to be fine. But, the problem is one of the lead areas is the porch, where people would track in lead dust,” Morton said. “It is my understanding that the (Head Start) school is closing classes this week until they figure out” what the report means and what to do next, he said. “If it was a $1000 fix to allow them to finish the school year,” it would get taken care of fairly quickly, Morton said. “But, I don’t have a price estimate,” he said. “I’ve called several lead abatement companies on the state’s website. I’ve had no takers.” Currently, an area business-owner, who deals in environmental hazard cleanup, “is contacting lead abatement companies for us,” Morton said. “I’m not sure where to go from here,” he said. “It is another issue with the old building.” “The report we’ve seen LEAD, Page 3A
What should SAD 61 do next at SLS & CRES?
VISIT FULL OF EMOTION — The American Legion Riders of Post 155 in Naples visited the Veterans’ Home in South Paris on Dec. 17. “I really don’t know who got more out of this visit, us or the residents. It was a day full of emotion for all parties concerned,” said Rider member Line´ Mulcahy. Jim and Midge Procter joined Rider members, as did Santa, a magician, and a vocalist who brought holiday cheer to these wonderful veterans. Pictured to left is Post 155 Service Officer Kelly Mulcahy.
By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer SAD 61 officials thought they had devised a solution to alleviating overcrowding at Songo Locks School, while reviving an old school that could meet Casco students’ needs for the next 50 years. Taxpayers, however, felt the asking price was too high, and rejected a proposal in 2016 to renovate and expand Crooked River School. So, what’s next? District officials will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. at Songo Locks School in Naples to find out from taxpayers how SAD 61 should proceed. Many parents have voiced concerns regarding safety issues surrounding the new portable at SLS, brought in to ease overcrowding. Meanwhile, Casco Director Phil Shane, who serves on the school board’s Facilities Committee, still firmly believes the answer remains repurposing CRES. Shane feels the board needs to do a better job explaining to the public what needs to be done in the 30-plus year old building and the costs associated with the work.
He also voiced his disappointment with the final Casco vote regarding the proposed project, feeling more townspeople should have supported the plan. In other school board action: Contract extension. Following an executive session on Dec. 19 which directors reviewed evaluations, the school board voted unanimously Monday night to extend Superintendent of Schools Al Smith’s contract to 2020. Directors also approved a 5% pay increase. Board Chairman Janice Barter noted that no pay hikes were given in Years 1 and 2 of the contract. Light replacement. Through an Efficiency Maine program, SAD 61 will look to lower energy costs by upgrading systems by installing LED lighting, Shane reported. Retirements. There will be several personnel changes at the high school next fall. Assistant Principal Guy Stickney submitted his intention to resign his post effective June 30, 2017. Stickney has been in education for 42 years, 17 at Lake Region. Teachers announcing their SAD 61, Page 3A
P&K pays back taxes in two towns By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — A local business, which contributes to area employment and commerce, paid a significant sum of back personal property taxes to two towns. P&K Sand and Gravel, Inc., made payments of past due taxes to the towns of Naples and Casco in December. P&K’s owner, Bruce Plummer, requested that the interest be waived — an action allowable if approved by the town’s selectmen. This week, both boards gave a show of hands to waive the interest accrued on the tax bills. In December, P&K wrote
a check to the Town of Naples for slightly less than $80,000, according to Naples Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak. “They paid the principal on the primary account,” Paraschak said. “The board wrote off $26,000 in interest.” P&K still owes some personal property tax to the Town of Naples, Paraschak said. In the Town of Casco, where the company operates a gravel pit, P&K had an old personal property tax debt adding up to $103,000, according to Casco Town Manager Dave Morton. They “paid an amount almost total to the principal of the old tax. They paid $83,000,” he said.
“It is a good show of faith” for P&K to pay that amount, Morton said, “It’s a good chunk of money on their part.” The amount of interest, between $17,000 and $18,000, was waived by the Casco Board of Selectmen on Tuesday. In explaining the request to the board, Morton said, “they asked if the town would waive interest costs. I told them I have no authority to do that. That is at the discretion of the (select)board.” P&K “worked hard to come up with that money and make that payment,” he said. They “are hoping the board would consider writing off the interest and giving
decision will be made during the week of Jan. 9. Paraschak confirmed that he had received word that the other candidate was chosen. The other top pick is Matthew Sturgis, the current code enforcement officer in Cape Elizabeth. The topic of Paraschak applying for this town manager position came up at the Naples Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday. “Ephrem has applied for another job in another town,” resident Jim Grattelo
said during public participation time. “Doesn’t he have a contract with the Town of Naples?” Selectman Dana Watson said, “Yes, he does.” Paraschak said his job contract with the town is valid “for another 2½ years guaranteed.” Grattelo asked, “What was the plan to get out of contract?” Watson said, “Derik (Goodine) did the same thing.” Paraschak waited momen-
tarily to speak. “Again, there was nothing wrong with Naples. It was a career opportunity,” he said. “Like most town managers, my contract has a 30-day notice. I can leave” this position with a 30-day notice, Paraschak said. Grattelo asked if the clause went both ways. “Can the board give you a 30-day notice? If the board wanted to terminate you, can they give you a 30-day notice?” Grattelo PASSED, Page 3A
Cape E passes on Paraschak
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — Naples Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak will be staying in Naples. It was public news that Paraschak was one of two finalists being considered to replace the Cape Elizabeth town manager, who retired last month. However, who got the job is not yet official news. It was not listed on the Cape Elizabeth town website. The last press release is a Dec. 21 announcement, saying that a
More discussion is expected once the engineering report is complete. In other selectmen’s news: 250th celebration. Bridgton was settled in 1768, by Benjamin Kimball. If the town plans to celebrate the 250th year milestone, it will be a major undertaking requiring lots of coordination and volunteers. Just ask Selectman Bob McHatton. Back in 1968 when the town held its 200year celebration, McHatton was introduced to this rural community. He fell in love with Bridgton, moved here in 1969 and has been BRIDGTON, Page 5A
them a clean slate,” Morton “I think (we should) take said. action tonight. They’ve done Selectman Mary-Vienessa an excellent job in catching Ferdandes made the motion up,” she said. to waive the interest debt. TAXES, Page 3A
Towns may offer tax amnesty option
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — A local company’s payment of overdue personal property taxes prompted town officials to offer incentives to other businesses. P&K Sand and Gravel, Inc., owed taxes in both Casco and Naples. In December, P&K paid a large portion of its personal property taxes going back several years. P&K’s owners requested that the interest on those tax bills be waived. During the second week of January, the interest was written off on P&K’s bills in the towns of Casco and Naples. The circumstances prompted town officials to consider offering an incentive to other business-owners still in arrears with personal property tax bills. On Tuesday, the Casco Board of Selectmen waived the interest cost of $17,081 after the local company paid approximately $83,000. “We are very lucky to get $80,000,” Casco Selectman Calvin Nutting said, prior to voting to write-off the principal. “I don’t want to set a precedent either,” Nutting said. Selectman Grant Plummer said that would not be a bad AMNESTY, Page 3A
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