OTISFIELD — Concerns about the proposed wedding barn on Gore Road were heard Wednesday, May 18, by Otisfield selectmen.

Otisfield resident Robert Becker expressed his concerns with the process that the planning board is taking to approve the proposal and what he believes is a lack of communication with abutting residents. 

“There has to be a larger forum for input from the community,” Becker said emphatically. “We need to be part of the process.”

Becker’s concerns were heard in full by the selectmen but he was told by all three members of the board that the selectmen have no control over the planning board.

Selectmen Hal Ferguson explained that “it is the taxpayer that oversee the planning board not the selectmen.” 

Selectmen Rick Micklon added, “communication is put out to the townspeople by order of the ordinance put in place by the townspeople,” also noting there are many different ways that the town communicates with its residents, including but not limited to internet, posted messages at the town office and through local papers, and that some of the duty falls on the townspeople to stay informed through those various channels.

When Becker asked if there was any way that the selectmen could help with the process, the board encouraged him to communicate further with members of the planning board and the residents that are proposing the venue. It was also added that he could file a petition as the proposal was still in process.

The board also:

? Heard Otisfield Fire Chief Kyle Jordan share letters of thanks from Harrison residents and the Harrison selectmen for the Otisfield loaning them Engine One during recent mechanical troubles that left Harrison without a truck. Sentiment was overwhelming on both sides that it was the right thing to do for the community to help a neighboring town.

? Discussed a Christmas tree at Community Hall and pricing is still being reviewed.

? Discussed fuel oil budgeting for the upcoming winter. It was put on hold until more research could be done regarding the best way to get the best pricing for the town.

? Discussed the current status of the Otisfield Emergency Management Agency but quickly tabled until more information could be gathered.

? Decided after a recent but incomplete inspection of the Saturday Pond Dam showed some recommended repairs that selectmen and town employees will go onsite to review the recommendations.

? Passed was a $1,400.00 estimate by Double T Fence to put a fence around the Kelby Day memorial and the septic area at the Otisfield Community Hall.

? Voted to give permission for the CEO to continue the process of warning potential junk yard violators that legal ramifications could follow.