Planning Board Meeting - January 28, 2026

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE VIENNA

PLANNING BOARD HELD JANUARY 28, 2026

The meeting began at 7:00 PM at the Town House. Regular members present were 

Waine Whittier, Creston Gaither,  and Tim Bickford. Alternate member Steve Trehu was also present. He was designated a voting member in the absence of other members. Also present were Lidie Robbins and Sara York of 30 Mile River Watershed Association.

Lidie and Sara met with the Board to discuss the Swifts’ revegetation plan (see December 2025 minutes). They have visited the site and felt that more cutting has been done than had been thought. It appears that the entire shorefront buffer has been removed. The previous owner is thought to have done much of the cutting. They have photos from after he died. Much of the cutting seems to have occurred after that. Lidie says that Erosion Control Mulch would be preferable to wood chips as mulch as wood chips tend  to wash away. 30 Mile can also make a variety of species available as live stakes.

Creston will check to see whether gutters or stone were required by the Board when Kirk Hiscock’s original permit for the house was issued. 

In general it was noted that as the plan mostly recites recommendations and not requirements or time lines, it isn’t really a “plan.”

Tim may be able to find examples of suitable revegetation plans or to locate people who might be able to provide such a plan.

Steve suggested that we advise the Swifts that we need something with specific time lines, goals, and requirements etc. Tim said he would draft a letter to the Swifts to this effect fairly soon.

Lidie and Sara left about 8:00 PM.

Future Planning Board efforts were discussed. Some possibilities are: 1). A short-term rental ordinance; 2). A flow chart outlining permit procedures for various land use projects; 3). Check lists for site visits etc.; 4). A formal application for Shoreland Zoning projects.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.

A black line on a white background</p> <p>Description automatically generated           Creston Gaither, secretary

 

 

Health Officer - Measles has come to Maine: What You and Your Family Can Do to Stay Healthy

Measles has come to Maine: What You and Your Family Can Do to Stay Healthy

On February 5, 2026, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) confirmed one case of measles in an adult  from Penobscot County who had recently traveled to a state with measles cases.  This is the first case of measles reported in Maine since 2019, however, cases of measles have been increasing nationally with over 700 cases in 2026. Measles has been detected in some wastewater surveillance sites in the northeast.  As of Feb 20, 4 additional people have contracted measles through exposure to the first case; all four were not vaccinated.

 

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially deadly respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads easily from person-to-person. It can spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. This disease is also called rubeola. Measles can be prevented with vaccines.

Symptoms

Symptoms of measles usually appear about 7 to 14 days after contact with an infected person. Measles usually begins with:

  • High Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes

Two or three days after symptoms begin:

  • tiny white spots, called Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth.

Three to five days after symptoms begin:

  • rash begins as flat red spots, which may develop small, raised bumps on top
  • rash starts on the face along the hairline, then spreads downward to neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet
  • fever may spike to more than 104°F

 

Spread

Measles virus is highly contagious. Measles spreads in two main ways:

  1. Measles virus lives in the nose and throat of an infected person. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  2. The virus can live in the air on surfaces for up to 2 hours. People can get infected by breathing the virus from the air or touching a contaminated surface and touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Measles only spreads between people. Animals do not get or spread measles.

If you have measles, up to 90% of the people close to you who are not immune will also get infected. An infected person can spread measles to others before they know they have the disease. Infected people can spread measles from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.

 

People at Higher Risk

Measles can be serious in all age groups. Certain people are more likely to suffer from measles complications including:

  • Children younger than 5 years of age
  • Adults older than 20 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • People with weak immune systems

Ear infections and diarrhea are common complications from measles. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis and may require hospitalization. Death from measles can occur.

Prevention

The best way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children may get the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine instead, which protects against chickenpox, too. Most people who get vaccinated with MMR or MMRV will be protected for life.

Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. Some people who get two doses of MMR vaccine may still get measles if they are exposed to the virus, but the disease is usually milder and they are less likely to spread the disease to others.

 

Who should get vaccinated?

  • Children: All children should receive two doses of MMR. The first dose should be given at 12 through 15 months of age and the second at 4 through 6 years of age. CDC does not recommend measles vaccine for infants younger than 6 months of age.
  • Any adults who do not have evidence of immunity to measles. This includes:
  • Students at post-high school educational institutions.
  • Healthcare personnel.
  • International travelers.
  • People of childbearing age before they get pregnant.

Talk to a healthcare provider about vaccine recommendations for you and your family.

Recommendations related to vaccination prior to travel – whether to an area with a known measles outbreak in the U.S., or to any destination internationally – are outlined below, in the Travel section.

CDC recommends that individuals born between 1957 and 1967 check their measles vaccination history. While most people in this age group have some immunity, some may need extra protection. You may need another measles vaccination if:

  • You received the inactivated (killed) measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967. This version was ineffective.
  • Get vaccinated with at least one dose of the live, attenuated (weakened) MMR vaccine.
  • If you are not sure about your vaccination history or immunity.
  • Get an extra dose of the live attenuated MMR vaccine.
  • You are in a high-risk group. This includes health care workers, international travelers, and individuals in outbreak prone areas.
  • Talk to a health care provider to make sure you are fully protected.

Travel

Measles cases in the US often originate from international travel. The best way to protect yourself from getting measles is by getting vaccinated.

Before international travel: Make sure you're protected against measles

  • Plan to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before you depart
  • If your trip is less than 2 weeks away and you're not protected against measles, you should still get a dose of MMR vaccine

After international travel, watch for measles.

  • Monitor for symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, rash)
  • Call a healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles
  • Resources

 

Source: Maine CDC website 

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/rash-illness/measles#maine

 

Health Officer - Improve Air Quality For Breathing While Heating With Wood

Indoor Air Quality and Heating with Wood

Beth Tréhu, MD, Health Officer for Mount Vernon and Vienna

Jan 26, 2026

Brrr, baby it’s cold outside, and nothing is as nice as the heat from a wood stove! If you heat your home with wood and especially if anyone in your home has asthma, lung disease, or heart disease, you may find these suggestions from Maine CDC helpful.

What You Can Do To Improve Air Quality For Breathing While Heating With Wood

  • Weatherize your home, such as closing up areas that will let heat escape.
  • Have your chimney, flue, and woodstove inspected and cleaned at least once per year.
  • Use wood pellets. They burn 25-50% cleaner than cord wood.
  • Replace an old woodstove, fireplace, or fireplace insert (built before the late 1980s) with a newer more efficient EPA-certified equipment that uses less wood and burns up to 90% cleaner.
  • If using cord wood, burn hardwoods that are clean, dry, and seasoned (>6 months) because they burn cleaner and are less likely to pollute the air.
  • Never burn garbage, trash, plastics, styrofoam, paints, painted wood, salt water wood, cleaning chemicals such as solvents, charcoal/coal, or treated woods (treated with varnishes, sealants, or pressure-treated). These substances can result in toxins being burned and released into the air.
  • Burn small hot fires. They produce less smoke than those that are left to smolder.
  • Split wood into 4-6 inch pieces. Fires burn cleaner with more surface area exposed to the flame.
  • Keep your home tobacco smoke free.

 

Vienna Broadband - refer a customer and get a free month of service

Do you have Axiom Fiber? Did you know we have a refer a friend program? If you refer a friend they will get a Free Install ($299 savings) and as a current customer you will receive a Free Month of Service once they are installed and billed for the first month of service.

So refer away - there is no limit on the number of customers you can refer!

Just make sure when they call in to order they give us your name. CALL AXIOM to day 207-255-0679 opt 1.

Vienna Health Officer - Prevention of Lead Poisoning and Testing for Lead Dust

Prevention of Lead Poisoning and Testing for Lead Dust

Beth Tréhu, MD, Local Health Officer for Mount Vernon and Vienna

Dec 23, 2025

At a recent Muffin Morning, I was asked about how to know if children in a home are at risk for lead poisoning.  Here is some helpful information from the Maine CDC.

Free Lead Dust Tests

If you live in a home that was built before 1950 and you have young children or grandchildren or children on the way, Maine CDC offers free home lead dust test kits. Order a free home lead dust test kit. Watch our video to see how to do the test.

Preventing Lead Poisoning

Growing up in a healthy home is an important part of your child’s development. Test your child and your home for lead to prevent lead poisoning. A tiny amount of lead dust can harm a young child. Children are more likely to be harmed by lead because their bodies and brains are still growing. Lead can cause behavior problems, learning disabilities, hearing damage, speech delays, and lower intelligence. Most young children with lead poisoning do not look or act sick. The only way to tell for sure if your child has lead poisoning is to have their blood tested. Talk to your child’s doctor about a blood lead test for your child. Maine requires all children be tested at 1 and 2 years of age.

Home and Property Owners

Dust from lead paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning in Maine. Lead dust falls on the floors where children crawl and play with toys. Children often put their hands and toys into their mouths. This makes it very easy for lead dust to get into and damage their growing bodies. If your home was built before 1950 it is very likely that it contains lead paint. Any building built before 1978 may have lead paint. Learn more about protecting your child from lead in your home (PDF).

Renovate, Repair or Paint Your Home

Any renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) project in a pre-1978 home or building can easily create dangerous lead dust. EPA requires that RRP projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 be performed by lead-safe certified contractors. Generally, EPA’s Lead RRP rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own homes. However, it does apply if you rent all or part of your home, operate a childcare center in your home or if you buy, renovate, and sell homes for profit.

 

Planning Board Meeting - October 22, 2025

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE VIENNA

PLANNING BOARD HELD OCTOBER 22, 2025

The meeting convened at 7:00 PM at the Town House; regular members present were Waine Whittier, Creston Gaither, Ed Lawless, and Tim Bickford; alternate member Steve Trehu was also present; he was made a voting member in Alan Williams’ absence. Minutes of the September 24 meeting were read and accepted. It was noted that the revegetation plan described therein must be submitted to the Planning Board.

Mark Rains appeared and outlined some possible divisional lotting of his home property. The Subdivision Ordinance dimensional requirements were briefly reviewed, and requirements for subdivision approval were outlined. No formal action was taken. Mark left at 7:35 PM.

Greg Stewart has talked to Waine about a septic system on Lot 11 Herrin Woods subdivision. Waine advised him that it’s a State law matter and that Plumbing Inspector Erin Quimby could better advise him. Waine told him that it may be a very steep lot and that he should study the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance regarding its “buildability.”

Thomas Potter’s October 18 email inquiry regarding timber harvesting on his Tower Road parcel was discussed. It was agreed that email responses correctly informed him that he will not need a permit from the Town but that there may be a State permitting requirement.

Waine would like the Board to discuss the importance of advising applicants that no one member can speak for the Board.

Waine met with the selectmen  and they have enacted the 180-day extension we need for the solar systems ordinance. He told them we’d like to have the ordinance ready for the March town meeting and to hold a public hearing for it before then.

Habitation has been noticed on the southerly end of the lot shown on tax map 6 as lot 5; evidently the selectmen signed CMP’s Form 1190 for the occupants.

It was agreed to cancel the Board’s scheduled November and December meetings in view of the holidays and to hold a “make-up” meeting on December 10 & to hold a public hearing on the solar ordinance that night. Creston will advertise this.

Waine said that Lidie Robbins met with the Swifts (see September minutes) on behalf of 30 Mile River Watershed Association ; she said it was a friendly meeting and that she gave them the name of a professional who could do the required revegetation plan.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.

A black line on a white background</p> <p>Description automatically generated           Creston Gaither, secretary

 

 

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