Bob Carlton introduces himself as County Commissioner to the select board. (Sue Davis Photo)

KINGFIELD – Chair Morgan Dunham called the Kingfield select board meeting to order at 6 p.m. at Webster Hall, Monday, Sept. 19. After a public hearing adjusting DHS income limits for general assistance, the board approved minutes and adjusted the agenda to allow guests to present before other business items.

Franklin County Commissioner candidate Bob Carlton

Interim county commissioner and candidate Bob Carlton was present to introduce himself and the work of county commissioners. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month at 3:15 p.m. at the Franklin County Superior Courthouse in Farmington, and the public is welcome. Commissioners have been talking weekly about workforce housing, a topic familiar to Kingfield given its involvement in the current Workforce Housing Coalition. The board thanked Carlton for coming

As the Workforce Housing Coalition (WHC) develops its non-profit status, it is seeking voting representation from Kingfield on its board. As a member of the committee that created the WHC, Polly MacMichael explained that the board position is different from her position on the committee. Board members would bring skills to the position that she does not have, such as fundraising, broad contact with people of means, and architect design skills. As an example of someone who might fit the need she mentioned Kingfield residents John or Cynthia Orcutt. Rather than deciding on its own, the board instructed administrative assistant Leanna Targett to reach out to the Kingfield community for expressions of interest in the position.

Les Jordan of Jordan Excavation presented a proposal to do preliminary work on Tufts Pond Road that he thought might save money for Kingfield and get minimal work done before winter. The select board had hired engineering firm Wright Pierce to prepare the bid for the three contracting firms who had placed bids before Wright Pierce had been engaged to manage the project. After lengthy discussion, the board agreed to consult Wright Pierce and allow the other two contractors to participate in the discussion.

Road work sessions to deal with all of Kingfield’s roads have been cancelled repeatedly. MacMichael asked about scheduling a work session as soon as possible. Browne wanted to hold off until Wright Pierce got back to the board about exactly how much money the Town would have to spend once Tufts Pond Road was completed. The board set Oct. 19, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. as a possible time. Other road issues included a report on purchasing a rock rake and making sure cross walks and parking places on Depot Street were painted now that the paving had been completed.

Claudia Diller, right, discusses her request to eliminate the CMP light on the pole near her house, with which immediate neighbors have agreed. Kim Jordan and CEO Billy Gilmore are pictured to the left. (Sue Davis photo)

CMP lighting on electrical poles

Targett reported that the CMP representative has requested the Town’s instructions on lights on its poles. CMP is changing over all lighting from incandescent to LED, which will be a savings to the Town. Claudia Diller and Sue Davis have both requested lights not be replaced on poles in front of their houses.

At the same time, the Taylors in the “Stone House” on Rt. 27, at the top of the hill coming into downtown Kingfield, wondered why the new street lighting stops near the former pharmacy building instead of continuing to the end of “town” at High Street across from the Sled Shed parking area, citing safety in that area. Browne noted “$600,000” was the reason. Davis suggested that CMP be asked to add lights on the poles in that area. Targett will bring it up with CMP.

Browne was concerned that neighbors might not agree with one person’s desire to eliminate lights. Diller has gotten approval from the three immediate neighbors on her street for the change. Browne expressed concern for side streets as well as main streets and moved that all residents be polled in order to validate exemptions where requested.

Browne also noted that some of the lights on the new lamps have not been working for some time. He thought that should be fixed.

Brian Twitchell of C-Prompt computers is currently under contract to update the Town’s internet service. He reported that he has encountered “infrastructure” issues that need addressing before he can fix the rest of the system. Currently the network server is in the basement near the furnace, citing heat as an issue. In addition, the cables are running next to electrical wires, which can degrade service.

Twitchell proposed moving the server to the closet next to the bathroom on the first floor. A contractor is needed to modify the closet, etc., after which Twitchell will do the hook-up. The board approved the additional expense, to be covered with ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.

Haying the Town’s fields between the river and Route 27

Town Administrative Assistant Leanna Targett reported that contracting someone to cut the hay in the field coming into Town along the river is still undecided. Andrew Chase would consider doing the work but he needs a longer multi-year contract. The Board instructed Targett to complete arrangements, allowing for a longer contract.

Select Board members from left, Wade Browne, (Walt Kilbreth missing), Polly MacMichael, Hunter Lander, Morgan Dunham and Town Administrative Assistant Leanna Targett enjoy interim CEO Billy Gilmore responding to suggestions for use of the hay field at eponymous Gilmore sledding hill. (Sue Davis photo)

Select board member Polly MacMichael requested more discussion on the use of the field. She noted that interim code enforcement officer and tax assessor Billy Gilmore had pointed out to the board that Kingfield had a lot of property that was off the tax rolls and to think about ways to turn some into income-generating property. The field has been discussed as a possible performance venue because of its natural amphitheater, possibly for Kingfield POPS and other events.

Gilmore noted that the Scenic Highway designation starts at the New Portland-Kingfield town line and that as CEO he would not allow using the field for solar panels or anything that would mar the scenic value.

Targett provided a list of possible uses of ARPA funds including hazard pay for staff during the pandemic, possible gym memberships for town staff and an iPad and phone for the transfer station. Board member Wade Browne thought the money should be used to benefit the entire town, not town staff. He suggested that culverts on the Tufts Pond Road might be a better use. MacMichael suggested the board have a work session to discuss it.

Mowing the riverside at the dam

The board discussed mowing the area around the VEC’s picnic tables at the dam. They agreed to ask Caretaker James Boyce to add it to his list of responsibilities, noting that it might be a combination of weed-wacking and mowing.

AA use of Webster Hall

The board approved the request of AA to return to its meetings at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday nights.

The board accepted Sue Davis’s resignation from the Environmental Advisory Committee and her appointment at committee request to the Village Enhancement Committee.

MacMichael asked if evaluations could be printed out at the beginning of each year, to be on hand to enter comments as they occurred rather than having to remember at the end of the year. Feedback is not as constructive when done as it is currently being done. She noted that labor policy work sessions have also been cancelled, that one should be rescheduled.

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