Woolwich resolves zoning violation issue

The Woolwich selectmen signed a consent agreement at their meeting Monday evening with Stephen and Anne Hammond on a violation of a foundation on the Carlton Road that was built too close to the road.

Anne Hammond attended the selectmen's meeting, January 17, to discuss the possible violation, and asked how it could be resolved.

Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) William Longley told the selectmen, at that time, if the foundation was too close to the right-of-way it is possible that the foundation would have to be moved and that a survey of the property would settle that argument.

Longley also suggested to the selectmen another solution would be to sign a consent agreement with the Hammonds.

The consent agreement recognizes the violation occurred, allows the violation to continue and that the land owner is responsible for the violation. The agreement is also filed with the Registry of Deeds at Sagadahoc County.

The selectmen voted to authorize Chairman Dale Chadbourne, and Longley, the CEO to sign the consent agreement.

Members of the fire chief selection committee may have thought their work was done when they come to the meeting ready to make their recommendation of three candidates for the job. The committee had been charged with looking over the applications and coming back to the selectman.

But the selectmen decided to have the committee go back and interview the candidates, and then make their recommendations. The town received five applications for the position.

Members of the committee include: Selectman Todd McPhee; Bill Reed, Jack Shaw, Sheriff Mark Westrum, and Newcastle Fire Chief Clayton Huntley.

The committee is expected to have their recommendations at the next selectmen's meeting on February 11.

The selectmen decided to participate in the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) lottery for a radar speed trailer.

The speed trailer is equipped with radar for displaying speed messages, and can be operated 24/7 in all weather conditions, and is designed for rugged use but with easy flexible setup and operation. It is used to slow traffic in school zones, busy neighborhoods, and in construction sites.

MDOT is offering communities in the state to participate in a lottery. If the town or city's name is drawn, they will have the use of the trailer.

The selectmen questioned who would be responsible for the equipment, and setting it up. They decided to take part in the lottery, and ask for the details if Woolwich is one of the winners.