PERU – The River Valley Growth Council is seeking a federal grant to clean up the former Diamond Match mill, council representative Bill Hine told selectmen on Monday night.
Hine said the council had tried for state grants twice and failed, but is encouraged to try once more under new regulations for grants. The council is seeking a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to clean up the numerous buildings and property that was donated to the River Valley Growth Council in the 1990s.
The site is next to the Androscoggin River and has railroad access, which gives it greater economic development potential.
Selectman Kathy Hussey presented a revised sales ratio analysis by Mike Rogers of Maine Revenue Services. It shows a disparity between property valuations and what they are worth on the current sales market. Rogers recommended an across-the-board increase of 10 percent next year.
Hussey was also given approval to attend a regionalization seminar in Auburn hosted by former Maine Gov. Angus King.
The board accepted a proposal from Danny Paine of North Paris to work as the town’s animal control officer pending clearance from any present contract.
The Rockemeka Hall benefit has been set for Dec. 2 at Peru School. Proceeds are to pay expenses to keep the hall open the rest of the year.
Selectman Ron Chartier has donated $250 to the hall account. There will be a supper, with entertainment from several local musicians including Selectmen Norman DeRoche and Andre St. Pierre.
Paul Bickford, who the town contends is in violation of the shoreland zoning ordinance, did not attend the meeting as expected. According to Hussey, he called the office to say, “‘The violations were dead issues, according to state law.'”
In September, Bickford won an appeal to waive about $16,800 in fines from the code enforcement officer for changing that his seasonal dwelling on Worthley Pond into a year-round home, changing its setback from the water, and changing its elevation.
The Board of Appeals upheld Bickford’s contention that only the courts can impose fines and referred the matter back to the Planning Board to deal with the violations.
Bickford was granted a building permit in 2002.
Also Monday, a weapons permit was approved. Dennis Smith of Ridge Road was given a permit for a carport.
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