FARMINGTON – Commissioners approved spending $17,578 to upgrade the Registry of Deeds computer system to allow Internet access to public records. The upgrade is expected to be completed by summer.

The upgrade also includes wireless capability for other computers in different departments at the Franklin County Courthouse to access the Internet.

The registry money is included in Register of Deeds Susan Black’s budget. Money for the other departments’ share would come from budgeted funds not used for other purposes.

Black told commissioners that wanted Internet service for her office to allow people to view deeds in a read-only mode that would prevent tampering with documents.

People wouldn’t be able to make copies of the documents unless they had an account, she said, so the county would still receive the revenue generated by the fees.

Motorbike ruling survives appeal

LISBON – The Board of Appeals voted 4-0 to uphold a ruling by the Code Enforcement Office that the Longchamps Motorbike Race Track does not violate a local land-use ordinance.

A neighbor, Ronald Poulin, citing excessive noise coming from the 120-acre track, contended that it was prohibited under a land-use ordinance enacted in 1974.

However, upon investigation, the Code Enforcement Office concluded that use of the track was grandfathered. It was in use prior to the 1974 ordinance and has been in continuous use since that time and “had not expanded or materially changed.”

About 30 people attended an appeals hearing, with seven speaking against the track and eight in support.

The board’s decision is not expected to end the controversy. Poulin said when he filed the administrative appeal on behalf of himself and neighboring residents that he was taking a “two-pronged approach,” beginning with the appeal.

Bass center targeted for tenants

WILTON – Requests for qualifications have been sent to nine possible tenants of the old Bass Distribution Center, selectmen were told. Building options have been a priority since the Phillip-Van Heusen Corp. offered it to the town for $1 earlier this year.

Town Manager Peter Nielsen said the Greater Franklin and Wilton Development corporations, along with Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments and the state Department of Economic and Community Development, have been working to find businesses to move into the building.

The building is next to the town office and houses an ICT in-bound call center.

Last month selectmen agreed to put $5,000 toward marketing efforts. The $5,000 appropriation will come from the Wilton Development Opportunity Fund and will support marketing efforts for future development of the building.