FAYETTE – Selectmen directed the town’s code officer Monday to work with property owners and future property owners in violation of state junkyard regulations to draft consent agreements to bring properties into compliance.
Prior to starting official business, selectmen held a moment of silent prayer or reflection for the community of Fayette. They also commended Town Manager Mark Robinson for his handling of the media in the face of tragedy after the slaying of 14-year-old Marlee Johnston and the arrest of Patrick Armstrong, 14, in connection with the case.
In regard to junkyard violations, Code Enforcement Officer David Giroux said the owners will be fined $500 for violations and face fines of $100 a day if they don’t fulfill terms of the consent agreements, after selectmen approve them.
The properties are owned by: Daniel Myrand on the corner of Moose Hill Road and Main Street (Route 17); Lynne Cobb on Main Street across from the new fire station; Bert Ladd, who is buying property on the corner of Fayette Corner Road and Main Street; and Joseph and Ellen Kennefich, who are going through probate with property on North Road.
Myrand, a Vietnam veteran, said he fought for the country to come home and live free and do what he wanted with his property. He said that he is a hobbyist and likes to tinker on vehicles. He now has four vehicles on two abutting properties that he pays two tax bills on, and wants to keep the vehicles for sentimental reasons. He said he cleaned up some junk on the property but considers the metal there to be useable.
Giroux said the properties are considered one property under the state’s junkyard law and that he is only able to keep two unregistered or unlicensed vehicles on the properties.
Joseph Kennefich said he has cleaned up quite a bit of the property that he and his wife don’t officially own yet. He added that he didn’t want to put a lot of money in it until they do own it. He took down the name of a Livermore Falls junkyard owner, possibly to have some vehicles hauled away.
Cobb said she is waiting for George White, who has heart problems, to leave the property. She has let the man live on the property for a year since she bought it. She told Giroux she would be willing to walk the property with him so she would know what needs to be done.
Ladd said he is closing on his property on Wednesday and has already had a lot of the junk cleaned off it and will have the remainder of it removed soon.
Giroux will also work with another property owner to draft a compliance agreement, and he is working with two other owners who plan to apply for junkyard or automobile graveyard licenses.
Vice Chairman Abby Holman told property owners who were upset with the situation that the town had to enforce the state’s junkyard laws.
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