Town of Fryeburg Maine
Settled 1763,  Incorporated 11 January 1777

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Fryeburg Planning Board
June 13, 2007 7:00pm
Town Office

Board members present, Gene Bergoffen, Mike Holtgrefe, and Ed Price. Carol Gregory and Kathleen Heggie were excused

The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm and a quorum was declared.

Chairman Bergoffen introduced Tina Westerberg as the new recording secretary. Tina along with Debbie Tait will be sharing the recording secretary duties.

Public hearing to review Section 15 – Wellhead Protection Overlay District.

Chairman Bergoffen reviewed the changes to section 15 along with the amended “Wellhead Protection District, Revised June, 2007” map. The question proposed is when should this be put to vote by the general public? Chairman Bergoffen read a letter from Selectman David Knapp requesting the vote take place in November instead of at the Town meeting scheduled for June 23, 2007 The Board of Selectmen suggest waiting until November to the public more time to understand the complexities and assumptions of the change District.

Chairman Bergoffen asked for any comments:

Rick Eastman asked about the changes in Zone B from the map first published. Mr. Bergoffen explained that Zone B, particularly in the Town area, was reduced because of the nature and depth of deposits in the area, and that they do not need protection. The new Zone A is smaller and with new assumptions.

Mr. Eastman also asked If this amended Section 15 is adopted will the new assumptions remain in effect for one year? How will this effect WE Well if they receive a bid to pump more than their permitted 450,000 gallons per day. Chairman Bergoffen responded that if the amended Section 15 is adopted the assumptions would remain in effect until the annual review in April, with the possibility that the Board could review the situation at any time.

David Powers, Maintenance Supervisor for SAD 72, asked is Snow school was in Zone A. Chairman Bergoffen responded that it is not.

Paul Naughton, Fryeburg Water District, asked what is the difference between the current and amended Section 15? Chairman Bergoffen responded that section 5, Annual review, was added and that the zones in the “Wellhead Protection District, Revised June, 2007” map were amended. Also, some changes were made in the Land Use table, reflecting concepts in the State recommended Model Wellhead Protection District ordinance. Paul Naughton pointed out that as it stands today, Fryeburg Water Company Well #3, from which town water is drawn, is in Zone B and is not protected.

Holly Foster asked if there was any negative reason why this should not go forward and pass? If not, then why wait until November. She also commented that the people raising objection are not even in the water district which is concerning for those in the district who want the wells protected. She thinks there is confusion because of all the “water issues”.

Paul Naughton commented that he feels it should be presented at the town meeting on June 23 rd and if it gets voted down then the challenge will be tore-educate the public and put it up for vote again in November.

Rick Eastman commented that from his perspective, he feels it should be presented at the town meeting on June 23 rd.

Chairman Bergoffen declared the hearing closed at 7:40pm.

Chairman Bergoffen asked for any comments from the board members.

Mike Holtgrefe stated that currently Well #3 is not protected and he feels that something should be done now, it can always be amended if necessary. He is concerned that most people may not care and there would not be enough support until a vote for a major election. Nonetheless, Mr. Holtgrefe is in favor of presenting Section 15 at the town meeting on June 23 rd, if it doesn’t pass the Board should keep pushing until it gets done.

Ed Price feels that when the majority of towns people are uninformed then the minority fighting against it becomes the majority. Mr. Price also spoke in favor of presenting Section 15 at the town meeting on June 23 rd although he is not sure how much participation there will be at the meeting since this will be the second town meeting within a year.

Chairman Bergoffen feels the board has reviewed the previous arguments against this matter and feels that all arguments have been satisfied. He also stated that there has not been anyone questioning the “science” of the model or making any better suggestions. Chairman Bergoffen is in favor of presenting Section 15 at the town meeting on June 23 rd and feels the only reason to wait until November would be more time to educate the public.

Mike Holtgrefe made a motion to recommend Section 15 be placed on the ballot as a warrant at the June 23, 2007 town meeting. Ed Price seconded the motion. All board members were in favor.

Next board meeting will be on June 26, 2007.

Ed Price made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00pm. Mike Holtgrefe seconded the motion, and it passed.

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