Bremen residents can expect to see some higher line items under general administration, a half million dollar request for the town’s portion of the school budget and two land ordinance use issues at the annual town meeting March 28 at the Town Center.
Additional local funds to be raised for the secondary school and adult education budget amount to $248,191. The required Essential Programs and Services amount to be raised from the town amounts to $288,095 for a total of $536,286.
Town officials anticipate a lengthy discussion over the two land use ordinance revision requests on the warrant. Expected to be one of the most anticipated articles on the warrant, article 51 essentially asks whether the setback for building new structures along the shore be changed on the revised shoreland zoning ordinance from 150 feet to 100 feet.
Bremen voters revised the shoreland ordinance at the annual town meeting in March 2008. The updated ordinance prevents new construction from being built within 150 feet of a high-water line (other than a tributary stream, which requires a 75 foot setback).
The vote to amend was close, according to Stephen Foote, the lead proponent of the ordinance change. He hopes to change the ordinance back to allow new construction to be built 100 feet from a high-water line.
Article 52 effectively asks Bremen voters to amend the shoreland zoning ordinance to allow a duel commercial fishing and residential use classification for tidal properties not being used for commercial fishing.
Bremen selectmen approved a petition submitted by resident Dan Goldenson during their regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 19. He is asking the town to keep his property in a duel-use classification, both for residential and marine use.
According to Bremen Ordinance Review Committee chair Parker Renelt, the state revised the shoreland zoning guidelines in 2007. Following the change to shoreland zoning guidelines, new residential uses would not be permitted in commercial fishing districts, he said.
According to Goldenson, his family farm was located in a Commercial Fisheries/Marine Activities District as well as a Residential District prior to 2007. He said his family purchased the property for its residential use.
Language as it has been printed in the town report regarding this land use classification article needs to be amended by the town attorney, according to town clerk Joanne McGregor. Citizens will write down their ‘yes’ or ‘no’ votes on informational pamphlets to be made available at the meeting.
Previous to the town meeting, which starts at 2 p.m., residents will vote for candidates to fill positions on the Planning Board, Board of Selectmen and School Committee. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. Nelson Webber is running for the one available three-year seat on the Bremen Planning Board against incumbent Chester Fesmire. Fesmire is currently the chair of the Board.
John Mohr is running for the one available position on the Harbor Committee (three year term). Robert Miller is running for the one open position on the Board of Selectmen (three year term).
Parker Renelt and Judith Mohr are running for two of the three available seats on the School Committee (three year term). Voters may write in the third available seat on the School Committee. Election results will be made available to the public prior to town meeting.
Residents will be asked to support increased costs in road maintenance ($233,150 compared to $153,909 in 2008) and comparatively minimal increased costs for the fire department ($9,800 versus $6564 in the 2008 budget) and the Nobleboro/Jefferson Transfer Station ($53,157 versus $48,998 in 2008).
Voters will also see reductions in town operating accounts and zero dollar amounts where cost centers are covered by various license fees and existing funds.
