On May 15 the Wiscasset Selectmen met to discuss the tax-acquired Koehling property, a potential adult entertainment ordinance, and economic development.
Town Planner Misty Gorski outlined the problems associated with 215 Gardiner Road, known as the Koehling Property. A potential buyer of the property was concerned about the site based on information he received regarding contamination under the foundation due to an old pit used for working on the underside of cars.
Because of “petroleum-impacted soil,” a team consisting of the Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection, GEI Consultants and town representatives completed a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment in December 2010.
During Phase I, the team identified environmental risks and cleaned up the property. Phase II involved evaluating the cleaned up site and making recommendations to be followed before anyone develops the property, said Gorski.
The house was part of a controlled burn, the remains properly disposed of. Currently only a concrete slab remains at the site.
Any owners or operators on the property would then be aware of the potential presence of petroleum-impacted soils, said Gorski.
The DEP also suggested that any future owner of the property consider entering the DEP’s “Voluntary Response Action Program” (VRAP). A letter from the DEP to the owner would record that the property has been cleaned up to their standard and they agree to take no further action.
Requiring a $500 application fee and an updated Phase I site assessment report, the VRAP helps provide some security to the owner by protecting them from any future DEP enforcement actions. GEI representative Todd Coffin said he would be able to help the Town to complete the VRAP; his fees would be around $750.
Selectmen expressed reservations about spending more money on a property the town has already spent $30,000 on. Gorski reiterated that the town could try to sell the property without entering into the VRAP first.
Gorski also noted that if the town did find any contamination and if they required financial help to clean up the area, the DEP might be able to provide additional funding. The funding is only available to municipalities, and not to private property owners, Gorski said.
The selectmen voted to move forward with the VRAP program and spot check the soil and foundation and to begin the soil management plan. Public Works will pull back the concrete pad to examine the soil.
The lower dam was taken out by Chewonki, and there is some concern that if anything happened to the upper (Montsweag) dam, there might be an impact on properties in the area. However, Gorski said the dam was in good shape, adding there are concerns about some trees that are growing along the bank, but they could be removed.
Selectman Pam Dunning asked if the state mandates the town do this work on the dam, to which Town Manager Laurie Smith replied that the state inspector looks at over 130 dams across the state of Maine.
“He is not trying to scare us, just lending us his expertise,” said Smith. The dam has the safest classification possible.
At their annual town meeting June 12 Wiscasset voters will vote whether to accept from CMP a deed to real estate including the dam on Montsweag Brook, together with surrounding land and flowage rights.
“It is up to the voters whether or not we should proceed,” said Board Chair Judy Colby.
A moratorium must be voted on by the townspeople, Smith said, and will last six months.
Gorski said adult entertainment is protected by the First Amendment. The town has to ensure that there are places where such businesses are allowed. The selectmen reviewed the Edgecomb Adult Entertainment Ordinance that will be voted on at the Edgecomb Town Meeting May 19. Gorski will take that document and adjust it to Wiscasset’s needs and give the selectmen a draft.
The selectmen voted to accept the lowest of three bids on replacing the municipal building hot water heater. Although the winning bid from David Sawyer for $2640.15 is over the $2500 purchase policy bid requirement, Town Manager Laurie Smith requested that they authorize the replacement of the hot water heater.
The selectmen approved two applications for license for two commercial waste disposal haulers, Regional Rubbish Removal Inc. and Giles Rubbish Inc. There was no discussion and the selectmen approved the applications as submitted.
The selectmen approved seven new 911 road names brought forth by Sue Varney, 911 Addressing Officer. She has already sent letters out to the property owners telling them their driveways need to be named. Most have replied to her letter. Now that the selectmen have approved these new road names, Varney will notify the property owners of their new 911 address.
Sue Varney also presented the selectmen with a Homestead Exemption Form. The total number of homestead exemptions granted is 988, of which 55 are new homestead applications processed this year. The 2012 municipal tax rate is 15.15 mils. The corresponding total amount of 2012 Homestead value exempted is $9,870,000.
The selectmen nominated Dunning to be put up for election to the Maine Municipal Association’s Legislative Policy Committee for the 2012-2014 biennium. The MMA is seeking 70 municipal leaders from across the state.
Town Manager Laurie Smith announced that the theme this year for the 4th of July will be “Small Town Traditions.”
In addition to the parade, there will be a car show, games and activities that are reminiscent of an earlier era. “The band ‘The Generics’ will play until the fireworks go off,” said Smith. The 4th of July organizing committee meets every Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. in the Municipal Meeting Room for anyone interested in getting involved.
In other business, the selectmen appointed Christine Wolfe as warden for the June 12 polling.
