The Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association headquarters at 38 Lake Farm Rd. in Jefferson is in an old marina that, until recently, was only approved for seasonal use. Thanks to a new septic system, the building now meets town ordinance for year-round use.
“As far as the town is concerned, they’re all set,” said Jefferson Code Enforcement Officer Stan Waltz.
The building’s owner, Jefferson resident David Lampton, still needs approval for year-round use from the Damariscotta Lake Cottage Condominium Association, of which the building is a member.
The problem first came to the town’s attention around the beginning of 2010, several months after the DLWA moved into the office. At that time, the Board of Selectmen decided that the building’s septic system did not meet town code for year-round use.
By town ordinance, seasonal use properties can only be occupied seven months out of each calendar year.
The Selectmen gave Lampton and the DLWA seven months from the beginning of this year to resolve the problem or vacate, and issued a $100 per day fine to begin on Aug. 1 if they did not do so.
Lampton installed a new septic system, which was approved around Aug. 5, Waltz said. Although the problem is now resolved from the town’s perspective, Lampton will still be charged a several hundred dollar fine.
“[Lampton] told me, ‘Well, I guess I procrastinated too long,'” Waltz said. Lampton could not be reached for comment.
Now that the building meets town code, Lampton and the DLWA will seek approval from the Condominium Association, whose bylaws only allow residents to use the properties from May through October, said Condominium Association Board Member Barbara Fruin.
A 67 percent vote is required to change the association’s bylaws, Fruin said.
Most people in the association approve of the DLWA’s work, said Al Railsback, Executive Director of the DLWA.
The question is whether they will approve of making an exception for them.
“I have no problem with the watershed association,” said Fruin, a longtime member of the DLWA. “My problem is with anyone changing the bylaws.”
Fruin worries that the DLWA’s year-round use will put an added strain on facilities such as the road, which all of the cottages pay for but can only use six months out of the year.
“What if a different business moves into that building in the future and draws heavier traffic?” Fruin said.
Condominium Association President Alan Stevens could not be reached for comment.
The association will vote on the issue at their annual meeting on Aug. 29.
The DLWA is largely unconcerned about their future in the building, Railsback said.
“The potential for our work in this building is enormous,” Railsback said. “Since we moved in, we’ve made a lot more friends than enemies.”
Railsback said he’s trying not to let the issue interfere with the DLWA’s work. “We’ve just been trying to keep a low profile and go about our business.”
