RUMFORD – A new Land Use Ordinance Committee has been established to help guide the growth of the town.
A proposal by the previous committee had been rejected by selectmen in April because many felt it was too restrictive. That committee had met for nearly a year.
Town Manager Steve Eldridge said Tuesday that an organizational meeting of the new committee will likely be set up sometime in July with Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments planner John Maloney, who had also assisted with the previous document.
Eldridge said the plan will include such things as road construction standards and setbacks, and possibly the establishment of various districts such as historic, medical, business, commercial and residential.
It will also provide consistent implementation of all procedures.
“We want a land use ordinance to help control growth and sprawl,” Eldridge said.
Named to the committee are former members Selectman Mark Belanger, Code Enforcement Officer Rick Kent and John Starr; and new members Louanne Cameron, Lem Cissel, Brian Milligan, Joseph Roberts, Kevin Knox and Phil Blampied. Eldridge will be an ex-officio member. Former members Andy Russell, the town’s public works director, and Burt deFrees chose not to be reappointed.
Plans are to put together another land use ordinance in time for next year’s annual town meeting.
In a related matter, townspeople authorized the creation of a Charter Commission during the June primary election. The next step is the appointment of three members by the board, an action that is expected soon.
The remaining six members of the commission will be elected by town residents. Eldridge said notices providing dates for taking out nomination papers for those interested in running will come out in the near future.
The Charter Commission will be charged with updating the town charter. They may also be involved in making other changes if residents decide to go from the town meeting format to a referendum on all budget and many other matters that come before the town.
A referendum vote on whether to present the option of staying with the traditional annual town meeting or changing to secret ballot, referendum election may come before voters in November.
Selectmen will decide at their July 6 meeting.
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