TUESDAY MAY 13, 2008
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE
FLAG: Chairman Angelo Terreri called the
meeting to order at 7:05 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Those present were Mr. Kurt Youland, Mr. Richard Keene Mrs. Jody
Goodwin, Town Manager Eva Leavitt, Jonathan Labonte
from the Androscoggin Land Trust, and approximately 20 Citizens with
interest. Selectman Lawrence House was absent
2.
Mrs. Goodwin noted that an extension was requested
from FPL, however, it was denied, and it was further explained that
the next license for FPL would be in place for 42 years; any requests
not included in a document to FPL at this time can't be brought up
during the licensing period. This special meeting of the Board of
Selectmen has been called to review the contents of a draft letter to
FPL, which include all the comments/concerns from each of the five
communities involved resulting from the various meetings held. Mrs.
Leavitt noted to those present that May 16th is the deadline for
comments on the plan as it is at this time. There were several
comments from people present regarding the short time frame of notice
and the lack of a document for review prior to the meeting. Property
owner Charles Varney noted how difficult it is to comment on a
document that no one has had time to review and it was noted to those
present that not even the Board of Selectmen had copies prior to the
meeting. The draft as presented is a culmination of the various
meetings held with the ALT and the five communities,
Mrs. Goodwin has been the representative from Turner for those
meetings. Mr. Jeff Timberlake - Chairman of the Planning Board has
also attended those meetings. There was lengthly discussion regarding exactly what the
plans for the Riverlands might be including
who would be responsible for policing and enforcement of penalties.
There was concern among those present that FPL may be taking more of
their land.
This aspect was quickly defused by Mrs. Goodwin,
Mrs. Leavitt and Mr. Labonte noting that
the letter to FPL regarding their future plans is only for management
of the land, not additional acquisition, the flowage rights as now
owned by FPL are the same and not subject to change at this time.
Again it was noted that this licensing application
for FPL is intended to cover their activities for the next 42 years.
Mr. Labonte explained the process for FPL, which
includes discussion of access to the land and stewardship of that
land; and, it was noted that the State of
There was some discussion regarding an amount of
money (seed money) to be set aside for future use during the
licensing period and it was suggested by Mr. Youland that 10 million
would not be too much for the duration of the license. Mrs. Goodwin
noted that there can't be enough emphasis on the fact that there is
no plan for outright purchasing of any additional land, however,
requests for conservation easements from various landowners could be
a possibility noting that some property owners would take a small
amount of money for the tax break a conservation easement offers.
There was some discussion regarding access to boat
launches, particularly from residents of Conant
Road, which is an area FPL and the State of Maine are considering for
a Southern access point. Mr. Labonte
explained the two types of boat launches that the State may consider,
one being a carry in and the other being a motor or drive up. Mr. Labonte
also explained that Turner is not the only community being considered
for an access point. There was some discussion regarding the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); which is the licensing agent for
FPL and Mr. Terreri noted that the Board of
Selectmen have a responsibility to make
certain that if there is no benefit to Turner from the plan, that it
shouldn't happen. It was further explained that stewardship of the
land would be organized by ALT with representatives from each of the
five communities.
Mr. Labonte noted also
that it is the goal of ALT to make certain people
within the project area have full knowledge of where the
public access points are located; and if landowners have any concerns
or issues, there is a place to call to get answers. It was noted that
the Towns each have a responsibility to review the contents of the
draft letter to see if other information is necessary and that the
timeframe as imposed is short and requires immediate response.
Following this discussion Mrs. Goodwin made a
motion to approve the comment letter to FPL with additional
suggestions to the Town Manager by the end of the day on May 14th,
and Mr. Keene seconded the motion; and the vote was 2 in favor,
Goodwin, Keene and one opposed, Youland. The motion passed. Mrs.
Leavitt encouraged all present to read the material provided and send
additional comments/concerns to her via e-mail address. No further
discussion.
3. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Keene made a motion to adjourn
at 8:29 pm, Mrs. Goodwin seconded the motion; and the vote was
unanimous.
Respectfully submitted:
Sandra L Philipon
Assessing/Office Assistant