MINOT – Selectmen have scheduled two public hearings to consider increasing the fees it collects on new developments.
Recommendations by a study panel include setting aside money for future public safety, recreation and highway facilities.
The impact fee committee’s report, presented by Town Administrator Rhonda Irish, suggests charging builders of new homes with up to four bedrooms $800 per house to pay for each new home’s share of the costs for public safety and recreation facilities.
The $800 fee, which would be split $500 for public safety and $300 for recreation, is in addition to the $2,000 fee the town charges for new growth impact on school facilities.
Selectman Dean Campbell noted that census figures show Minot leading the way in growth in Androscoggin County – and that often creates unforeseen demands on public services.
Pointing to a project under way to develop 3 miles of walking trails on land between the school and the town office, Campbell said, “Ten years ago, no one would have ever thought of walking trails in town. You used to be able to walk anywhere, but now we are seeing more and more posted land.”
The impact fee committee is also recommending that fees be assessed to road developers, with a $8.73 per linear foot fee to be collected when a road is accepted by the town.
Road Manager Arlan Saunders told selectmen the fee is based on his estimate that for every 10 miles of road the town adds, it will have to purchase a new plow truck and expand the garage to house it.
Saunders also noted that continued growth might mean the town would some day have to build a sand storage facility.
Hearings on the proposed expansion of development impact fees are scheduled for 6 p.m., Aug. 14 and 18, at the town office.
Saunders also said that on Friday, July 14, he had posted “stop work orders” on Old Pottle Hill School Road, an abandoned road that developer Chuck Starbird has been working on from time to time during the past few years.
In other business, selectmen authorized Irish to take out a short-term note to cover the first payment for the town’s new fire truck. Fire Chief Steve French said he understands the town will receive a bill for $77,935 within the week.
French said he expects the new truck will be delivered in December.
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