By Emily Patrick
At the February 19 Planning Board Meeting, Code Enforcement Officer Ron Sarol started with his report. He said he was still working on the violation penalty and dangerous building ordinances. He issued just one permit since the last time the Board met. The permit was for slabs for some electric vehicle charging stations at Indian Hill Trading Post.
Under old business, they reviewed the final changes to the addition to Land Use Article Five, changing our setback variance guidelines. Sarol added an item stating the landowner must provide “reasonable justification” for the setback variance being needed. Because it’s a change to an existing ordinance, the final draft needs to go before the selectboard, and then a special Town Meeting will be held. The Planning Board voted unanimously to accept the change and move forward with the process.
The CEO said he has been approached by a handful of landowners in town asking him to look at some zoning changes, which would move the properties in question from the Industrial to the Village Commercial District. Sarol and the Planning Board reviewed three specific properties this change would apply to.
This would allow the landowners several more options on their property, such as building bigger structures than they are currently allowed under zoning restrictions, potentially increasing property values. Sarol said it also benefits the Town because it holds the potential for more housing in our area. Contreni said the Board was open to considering it, though they wouldn’t “make a decision tonight,” but that Sarol should bring more information so they can review it.
The Blair Hill Overlook subdivision planners are still working on their project application. The Spruce Street Development is still waiting on the NEPA assessment to be done, then there will be a 30-day public comment period. Once that’s cleared, the project can proceed, so Roy says they’re, “about a month out.”
At the evening’s Select board meeting, Town Clerk Tammy Firman reviewed two liquor license renewals with the board for the Greenville Inn and the Lodge at Mooshead. Firman shared she spoke to Police Chief Carr and he had no issues with them being approved, so the board approved both. The select board also reviewed and signed a Supplemental Tax Certificate for farm land on East Road.
In his Manager’s Report, Mike Roy started the conversation off with public works. He said all the Town equipment that needed repairs has all been successfully repaired, including the Town backhoe, which cost less than half what was initially estimated.
The Town’s only full-time employee recently took a position at the Millinocket Fire Department, leaving Greenville with no public works employees. Roy said he has posted the position. Two people have applied for the foreman position, but neither have any public works experience. Roy has also posted a position for Laborer/Operator. Five have applied thus far but none have the required license. Roy is allowing the selected candidate to get the endorsement within six months of hire rather than making it a prerequisite for the position.
Our current deputy Clerk has recently accepted a position of Town Clerk with another town, so Roy has already posted the position on Indeed and received 9 applicants already. Interviews will start immediately. Roy also brought up that a selectman position is up for election. Anyone who is interested in running for Select Board can contact the Town office.