ATV access approved for Lily Bayand Scammon roads for one year

Staff Report

    GREENVILLE — After a lengthy discussion among selectmen, the town manager and members of the public, the Greenville Board of Selectmen voted on Dec. 18 to allow ATV access on Lily Bay and Scammon roads, pending approval by the Maine Department of Transportation.

    The permission was granted for one year only from May 15 to Nov. 15, 2014 under the same rules currently in effect for the town’s existing ATV access route on Pritham Avenue, according to the meeting minutes. Vehicles must obey the posted speed limits, keep in the travel lane and operate only between 8:30 a.m. and dusk.
    The motion passed on a 3-1 vote with Craig Watt, Richard Peat and Bruce Wyman in favor and Board Chair DuBien opposed. Selectman Bruce Hanson, who has previously stated he was opposed to expanding ATV access, was absent from Wednesday’s meeting.
    Another proposal to set up an ATV access route on Pleasant Street was unanimously defeated. Town Manager John Simko told the board that public comments were sought from Pleasant Street residents about the proposed route. Nine residents said they were opposed, four were in favor and one was neutral.
    Resident Janet Chasse stated that she thought the local ATV club should be required to raise the necessary funds to fix the off-road trail before being allowed on town roads. However, Moosehead ATV Club President Ken Snowdon stated the club is trying to secure grant funds for the necessary improvements to a 1.8-mile section of off-road trail at an estimated cost of $100,000.
    DuBien stated that she feels the ATVs should not be on the public roads due to concerns for accidents and subsequent liability to the town, despite the Tort Claims Act.
    In other business, outgoing Greenville Fire Chief Gavin Oelschlegel and chief-elect Matt St. Laurent updated the board on the upcoming change in leadership and various projects at the department, including fund-raising projects for a replacement for the rescue van.
    Simko and the selectmen thanked Oelschlegel for his service to the town, especially for his leadership in the effort to find and secure funding to purchase a used rescue truck for the department. The board agreed by consensus not to put the old vehicle up for sale until the new truck is ready to be placed into service.  St. Laurent gave a brief update on operations and expressed strong optimism for the future of the department.
    After tax bills were sent out in September, a handful of errors in assessment were found, mostly in personal property, and assessor’s agent Rob Duplisea prepared recommendations for abatements
    All seven tax abatement requests were approved by selectmen: six to correct errors or omissions in assessment and one as uncollectible since the business no longer exists.
    Simko reported that the town’s citizen fuel fund has less than $1,700, which is only enough to help out nine families this winter. The town manager sent out letters to local newspapers, explaining that the fund could be depleted quickly because of the unexpected cold snap in early December.
    Many low-incomes residents aren’t eligible for general assistance, Simko wrote, “but simply can’t afford an emergency fuel delivery.” A household crisis, like a major car repair, could cost money that would normally go toward fuel oil.
    Simko added Lisa Harris, the owner of the Moosin’ Around Maine gift shop, has donated $100 to the fund and hopefully, more residents will respond.
    The next Greenville Board of Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15.