Government at a glance
Board: Turner Selectmen
Met: Monday, Dec 21

Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
Issue: The board discussed a document from Cathy Eickenberg, Maine Department of Conservation and chief of planning on the project outlining two plans for the park.
The scoop: One plan would retain the north entrance (Center Bridge Road) to the park for motorized vehicles and add a second entrance at the south end (Conant Road) for non-motorized uses such as hiking, biking and boating. The second plan would keep only the north entrance as is, allowing access to the park and trails for both motorized and non-motorized users. Additional land toward the west (Upper Street) is being sought for trail access for hikers. A signage system, trail condition improvements and installation of controls would deter unwanted usage by encouraging users to stay where intended. Establishing partnerships with surrounding towns and organizations to use and manage the park was also detailed, as was improving river access into the park at designated locations.
Up next: The open comment period on this project ended Dec. 23. The committee will hold its final meeting on the project the third week of January; a plan is expected to be finalized the first week of February.

911 communications
Issue: Selectmen received an update from Fire Chief Michael Arsenault on the County Commission’s 911 dispatch committee meetings.
The scoop: In response to 911 communication issues, Arsenault has been attending the meetings and is working on the creating a board of directors that would handle communications activity in the future.
Up next: The issue remains ongoing.

Assessments
Issue: The town’s assessing agent presented its quarterly review to the board.
The scoop: RJD, an appraisal company, completed its assessment of the south end of Turner, noting additions to homes and any demolition or construction changes, updating the town’s assessment files for taxation purposes.
Up next: A net gain of $135,200 for the tax base was noted.

Contact reporter Tammy Chamberland via phone at 689-2947 or via e-mail at tschamberland@sunjournal.com.

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