Eustis: Money OK’d for upgrades

The town voted Sept. 12 to appropriate $4,000 from the municipal building fund for general maintenance and repair and allocate $1,800 to the town library to update the computer catalog system.

There was also a vote in favor of adopting the state’s floodplain codes. This will allow properties owners in floodplains to get flood insurance.

Rezoning topics discussed included changing sections of King Road from rural woodland to limited residential. Much of the road was already considered limited residential and this unifies all the land surrounding King Road.

There was also a vote to change sign and billboard regulations in town. It was determined that in rural woodland zones, signs could only be posted regarding resource protection, stream protection and limited resources. In limited residential areas, two signs smaller than six square feet are allowed. The only exception to the new limited residential rule occurs on the Route 27 corridor, where signs pertaining to goods and services shall not exceed 16 square feet, and there can only be two signs per property.

Strong: E911 plan needs work

Selectmen last week discussed the need for a more extensive E911 plan that would involve further naming of roads and numbering of houses. The issue of naming roads and creating incentives for people to put numbers on their houses will continue to be addressed during the next meeting.

A final report regarding potential uses of three mills in town was presented. The Strong Area Business and Civic Alliance, which was working in cooperation with the town office and municipal officers, received a $10,000 grant from the the Maine Department of Economy and Community Development to hire engineers to assess potential use for the nonoperating mills. Over the summer, Foster Manufacturing, Strong Woodturning and Cousineau’s Mill were all surveyed by Robert Patten of Edward Kelcey Engineering.

Selectmen will review the report, however, as selectmen’s Chairman Rupert Pratt pointed out, “At this point it’s up to whether the owners of the properties want to accept these suggested changes.”

Fire Chief Scott Dyar reported to selectmen that the Fire Department received $300,000 of a $500,000 grant that would go toward purchasing a new firetruck. Dyar is exploring purchase options.

Rangeley: Store gets extension

The Planning Board approved Laura’s Lunch Box and Ice Cream’s application to stay open all year. The store was due to close on Columbus Day weekend, but the new ruling will allow it to open through the winter.

The board is also expecting an application for a 14-lot subdivision on Airport Road at its next meeting Sept. 27. The Johnson Farm subdivision will be proposed by a partnership of owners. The board hopes to review the application and set a public hearing as soon as possible.

– David Farady