Enter selection criteria and press "apply"

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE VIENNA

PLANNING BOARD HELD JANUARY 22, 2025

The meeting began at 7:00 PM at the Town House. Regular members present were  Waine Whittier, Creston Gaither, Alan Williams,  and Tim Bickford. Alternate member Steve Trehu was also present and he was appointed a voting member in the absence of Ed Lawless.

Minutes of the December 4, 2024 meeting were read and accepted.

The Board discussed the possibility of enacting a temporary moratorium on solar power farms in Vienna (see December minutes).The wording of the proposed article for Town Meeting was discussed. It was agreed that no public hearing will be necessary for the moratorium but  that we will need one for the final ordinance itself.

Steve mentioned a new ordinance that Fayette has enacted controlling short-term rentals (such as Air BnBs) and suggested that Vienna may want to consider enacting such an ordinance. Control of houseboats was also discussed. The State may be enacting statutes to deal with this.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

          Creston Gaither, secretary

1. Reviewed and dispersed the mail.
2. The selectmen read and accepted the minutes from the previous meeting.
3. Reviewed and signed Warrant # 2 ($1,680.00).
4. The select board reviewed and adjusted the 2025 Town Meeting Warrant.
5. Discussed when the heat pump would be installed in the Central Office. The heat pump will be installed January 28, 2025.
6. The Treasurer will look into when CMP and Consolidated Communications cashed checks as they have a specified time to complete work after cashing the checks.
7. Stan Webster requested the Town to donate $1,250.00 to the Franklin Cemetery in order to fix broken headstones.
8. Beth Trehue, from The 30 Mile Watershed, reviewed the 2024 report with the selectboard and requested an increase from $3000.00 to $5000.00 in contribution.
9. Dan Goucher called to request a $5000.00 increase to both the road maintenance and the paving account.
10. Meeting adjourned.

1. Reviewed and dispersed the mail.
2. The selectmen read and accepted the minutes from the previous meeting.
3. The select board reviewed the 2025 Town Warrant.
4. Meeting adjourned.

1. Reviewed and dispersed the mail.
2. The selectmen read and accepted the minutes from the previous meeting.
3. Reviewed and signed Warrant # 25 ($19,274.91).
4. The select board discussed the heat pump installation and it has been awarded to Fitch Heating.
5. Reviewed and signed Warrant # 01 ($101,273.46).
6. The Townhouse exterior light will be replaced with a dusk to dawn LED light.
7. The electric box at the firestation will need to upgrade to a 200 amp service.
8. The culvert on the Mason Road will need to be replaced as it is allowing water to run across the road and is causing damage.
9. The select board started to review the 2025 Town Warrant.
10. Reviewed and signed Vienna Broadband Warrant# 9 ($9,605.00).
11. Meeting adjourned.

1. Reviewed and dispersed the mail.
2. The selectmen read and accepted the minutes from the previous meeting.
3. Reviewed and signed Warrant # 24 ($19,810.40).
4. The select board met with Charles Beader and discussed contracts and grants. The
   select board signed a contract to have SeaBoard Drill start drilling for core samples at the crossing which need the culverts changed to concrete crossings.
5. Reviewed and signed Vienna Broadband Warrant # 8 ($4,775.45).
6. The Town will cover 50% and the employee will cover 50% of the 1% needed for Family Medical Leave.
7. Meeting adjourned.

This meeting was scheduled to make up for those scheduled in November and later in December, which were cancelled due to the holidays. 

Minutes of the October 23 meeting were read and accepted.

The Board discussed the possibility of enacting a temporary moratorium on solar power farms in Vienna. It was agreed 5 – 0 that the Board should propose a 1 year moratorium on such farms, in anticipation of eventually enacting an ordinance regulating them. Alan will try to find a model moratorium ordinance for the Board to work from.

It was noted that the broadband building under construction on the Community Center site does not appear to have a Shoreland Zoning Ordinance permit. Alan will suggest to the Selectmen that they apply for one. Creston agreed to produce the necessary sketch.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

          Creston Gaither,secretary

1. 1. Reviewed and dispersed the mail.
2. The selectmen read and accepted the minutes from the previous meeting.
3. Reviewed and signed Warrant #23 ($107,723.01).
4. The select board reviewed a couple property cards.
5. Reviewed and signed Vienna Broadband Warrant # 7 ($1,383.94).
6. The selectboard talked with Ed about the Central Office as it needs to be insulated,
   sided, interior sheathed, and a door installed before Axiom will be able to start installing their rack for the electronics. The pole at the Central Office will need to be replaced with a taller one. A second order of fiber was delivered on Monday, 12/01/24. The selectboard will set up an open house once the Broadband Central Office is completed
7. The selectmen signed three abatements.
8. Meeting adjourned.

1. Reviewed and dispersed the mail
2. The selectmen read and accepted the minutes from the previous meeting.
3. The select board met with Charlie, from The 30 Mile River Watershed Association. Charlie is working on grants for the Town's culvert replacement.
4. The select board and William discussed his concerns over the acreage on his property cards not matching. William inquired about the cost of road maintenance and the maintenance of The Stream Road. Why does the town give money toward Franklin Memorial Hospital, Dispatch, Readfield Fire, and the Franklin Cemetery. He was invited to attend future meetings as well as the Town Meeting in March.
5. The select board and Carlos discussed his property and the associated taxes.
6. Meeting adjourned.

1. Reviewed and dispersed the mail.
2. The selectmen read and accepted the minutes from the
   previous meeting.
3. Reviewed and signed Warrant #22 ($177,587.03).
4. Josh discussed concerns with property lines and the right of way with a bordering property on the Varney Road.
5. Bob brought in his Tree Growth Application.
6. Road commissioner Dan Goucher discussed the recent paving and road work along with his plans for the remainder of the year.
7. Meeting adjourned.