The Westport Island Board of Selectmen will put the citizens petition asking the voters if they want to discontinue the Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit withdrawal process on a referendum question for the June 10 election. There will be a public hearing on the article at the Westport Island Town Hall at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 29.
In last week’s selectmen’s meeting, First Selectman George Richardson was unable to get a second to his motion to put the petition on the warrant. During the selectmen’s meeting Monday evening, a memo was received from Town Clerk Gaye Wagner advising the selectmen consideration of the petition should be revisited.
“If the petition is validated with sufficient signatures the selectmen shall consider it on its merits,” Wagner said in her memo.
The withdrawal committee consulted with the Maine Department of Education and attorneys to see if the vote to determine the withdrawal process is legal, and according to the attorneys it is legal. Thus, Wagner said, “It would be hard to argue that it is reasonable to refuse a validated petition asking to bring it to a vote.”
Westport Island resident Richard DeVries, who circulated the petition, was present at the meeting. The selectmen informed him they will hold the public meeting, but it would be his responsibility to provide the voters with the information regarding the article. DeVries thanked the selectmen for reconsidering the petition, and said he would be prepared to inform the voters at the public hearing.
Greenhouse permitting
Kyle DePietro, a resident of Westport Island, has three greenhouses on property he has leased from the Tarbox family. According to the selectmen and Code Enforcement Officer Gary Richardson, there have been no permits issued for the greenhouses.
After a lengthy discussion with DePietro, it was decided to have DePietro submit a farm management plan to the selectmen and obtain a permit for one of the greenhouses. He was also requested to provide a copy of the lease agreement, and a copy of a grant he had received from the Department of Agriculture. According to DePietro, he leases about 40 acres, but is currently only using 6 acres.
Horticultural
subcommittee appointed
The selectmen appointed a horticultural subcommittee of the Wright Landing Committee. The new sub committee will be responsible for the landscaping and planting at the Wright Landing.
Members appointed include: Brad Adler, Emily Adler, Donna Curry, Susan Fanning, Liz Lee, Sam Soule, and Debbie Williams.