OXFORD — Selectmen voted unanimously to move forward with a solar moratorium ordinance during their business meeting last Thursday.
Selectman Caldwell Jackson had requested Town Manager Adam Garland collect information about the possibility when the town had to grant a $62,675 property tax refund to Oxford Solar 1, LLC. By Maine statute, owners of renewable energy equipment are exempted from local real estate taxes, with up to 50% recoverable from the state.
Garland updated selectmen on the process ahead and provided a sample ordinance from the town’s attorney which they agreed to use.
Garland told the board that he had received one bid to remodel two conference rooms into one large space from H.E. Callahan for $161,800, which was also unanimously approved. Work on the building wing will begin March 6.
Police Chief Rickie Jack presented about a K-9 grant request he is developing. If approved, Oxford will receive $51,000 for a dedicated K-9, with no cost to the town.
However, establishing a K-9 unit would require upgrades to one cruiser and for one officer to be trained. Selectmen requested that Jack and Garland collect more information from neighboring law enforcement agencies about their programs, project future costs after the grant’s eventual expiration and determine from the police union what the salary impact will be on the department’s budget.
Selectmen discussed the fire department’s capital request to allocate $100,000 toward replacing Engine Truck 1. Board Chairman Dana Dillingham expressed concerns about increasing costs for first responder vehicles. Acting Fire Chief Shawn Cordwell explained that it is possible to refurbish the truck with a new motor, pump system and bodywork. The most reliable engine in the department’s fleet has to be stored at the Northend Fire Station because it does not fit in the main public safety building.
In other business selectmen unanimously approved renewal applications for three marijuana facilities, Bog Brook Botanicals, Renewal Gardens, LLC and Thompson Lake Caregiving DBA, T.L.C.’s The Hideaway.
Copy the Story LinkSend questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.