Petition on wind power moratorium accepted

OXFORD HILLS

By Mary Standard, Special to the Sun Journal
Published: Oct 21, 2009 12:24 am

BUCKFIELD — A resident's petition asking the town to approve a 180-day moratorium on wind power development was found sufficient by selectmen Tuesday night. There were 115 valid signatures on the petition.
The decision on whether to hold a referendum at the polls or a special town meeting to vote on the issue was tabled until all members of the Board of Selectmen are present.

James Parker's petition says that the full impact of wind turbines has not been fully explored and the town has a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of its residents. The moratorium would give the town time to approve an ordinance to regulate wind power projects, according to the petition.

In other business, the Recreation Committee bylaws were approved after some discussion. The main area of concern for Selectman John Lowell was that the committee should have full control of choosing a chairman. Town Manager Glen Holmes said the wording was a compromise with the Recreation Committee. It states that once the committee has elected a chairman, the name will be sent to the Board of Selectman for ratification.

The bylaws also say that close relatives of members will not be appointed to the committee.

Another area of concern for Lowell was that any member who fails to attend two consecutive regular meeting must be reported in writing to the selectmen. That member would meet in executive session with the board and if the reason for missing was not excusable, they would be removed from the committee.

Holmes read lengthy letters of resignation from three members of the Recreation Committee. The Board accepted with regret the resignations of Jillian and David Shabe. The resignation of Sandy Albert was not accepted.

No appointments were made, as Selectman Chip Richardson was not present and had asked to be present for any appointees since the board had decided to review applications more fully.

The resignation of Dick Piper from the Planning Board was accepted. The board approved alternate Joyce Hartson as a full member. Warren Wright pleaded with the board to appoint an applicant to fill Piper's spot so they could conduct business. A decision was tabled until the next meeting.

The selectmen's meeting was recessed until Friday, Oct. 23, at 5:30, when the tax rate could be set. The board will also consider applicants for the Planning Board.