WILTON — With alternative energies on the increase, the Select Board discussed the need to consolidate its ordinances surrounding energy permitting and development Tuesday evening.

Board member Tom Saviello cited wind, hydro, underground projects and Central Maine Power’s proposed 145-mile transmission line through Western Maine as reasons for the town to review its zoning structure.

“I see current proposals as the beginning of many more,” he said. “We need to work on our policy so that it’s all in one place and complete.”

The board discussed a moratorium on energy applications while a committee reviews ordinances and identifies areas to formalize.

Board member David Leavitt asked if they ought to reword ordinances or create new ones, which would be the responsibility of the Planning Board.

Selectpersons agreed that utilizing the Planning Board was appropriate. However, they had to consider putting a moratorium in place. If deemed necessary, it would have to get voter approval.

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Wilton Town Manager Rhonda Irish, left, presents her report to selectpersons Tuesday evening. Franklin Journal photo by Nicole Carter

CMP also figured into Town Manager Rhonda Irish’s report to the Select Board.

CMP, as required by law, met with the Wilton Fire Department to discuss the history of fires within the proposed transmission corridor.

Saviello countered that CMP going town by town is a gimmick and he expects that Franklin County will respond on behalf of all towns that would be affected by CMP’s project.

“It’s divide and conquer,” he said. “The county needs to question CMP on all the towns’ behalf. What is CMP’s fire plan? How are first responders to deal with direct-current problems? These requests need to be put on record.”

In other business, Irish said the Forster Mill hazardous waste abatement is progressing. Windows that had hazardous components have been removed and the building is being razed.

She said considerations for future use of the property will be pending, including possibilities for commercial development.

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Heinz Grossman from the Water and Sewer Department has reviewed and updated procedures and fees, including a standard renewal of the town’s contract with North Jay. He made recommendations on town fees and submitted the new contracts for the board.

Some seasonal road maintenance projects have been completed, Public Works Foreman Dale Roberts said. Hathaway Road is being ditched in preparation for paving. Culverts will be replaced this summer. Pond Road will be closed for one week, starting Aug. 26.

Public Works has had an ongoing problem with the sidewalk tractor, which is in for at least the third hydraulic pump failure. Roberts said Kubota will have to have an alternative machine available should the town be without sidewalk snow removal again next winter.

Irish said several town properties have been auctioned. Two of three recent sales have been finalized. A fourth, on Webb Street, received no bids, but a local real estate agent confirmed the minimum was within its overall value.

With four more properties ready to be put up for auction, the Select Board agreed to include the third and fourth parcels with the next round. If the Webb Street piece still receives no bids, it will be listed with a real estate agent for six months.

Irish reminded the board of road closures during the Blueberry Festival on Aug. 2 and 3. The boat ramp will be closed to the public while boat rides are held Friday afternoon and fireworks Saturday evening. A section of Main Street between Food City and High Street will be shut down for the parade and Saturday events. Irish will contact the Maine Department of Transportation about the town’s plans.

The Select Board approved the Police Department request to send requests for proposals for new vehicles, and the Fire Department was granted permission to buy fire gear that has been budgeted.

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