RANGELEY — Rangeley Friends of the Arts’ withdrew its request to hold two shows in Lakeside Park after selectmen advised Tuesday that it would violate the will of Harry A. Furbish, the land’s donor.
The board sought a legal opinion from the Maine Municipal Association.
Furbish’s will prohibits for-profit activities in the town park. The lack of heirs does not render the terms of the will void, and the MMA advised that if legal action was brought, it is unlikely any court would overturn Furbish’s wishes.
The arts group, supported by numerous residents, had petitioned selectmen for an exception to the will’s rule so it could hold the Joan Frost Memorial Art Show and the annual Art in August Festival in Lakeside Park. The exhibits would allow participating artists to sell their art, with fees for booth sites going to the Rangeley Friends of the Arts’s work with local youth.
While agreeing the events would benefit the community, the board said it is bound by the law.
“Everyone should know what the will’s purpose is,” Selectman Pam White said. “We’d be making one decision for one group rather than looking at the big picture.”
While Rangeley Friends of the Arts supporters noted the board had allowed the shows in years past, selectmen said it was a different board and past mistakes need not be repeated.
Speaking for Rangeley Friends of the Arts, Linda Sykes withdrew the organization’s request just before board Chairman Dave Burgess could call for a vote.
Speaking from the audience, former Selectman Nate Nichols said that while refusing to go against a legal document for the benefit of the town, the board had already broken the law by its recent dismissal of Road Commissioner Earl Ross without due process of a hearing.
The board denied any wrongdoing, and Shaffer refused comment.
At the end of the meeting, the board held an executive session to evaluate and review road commissioner duties.
Members of the Roxbury ATV Riders Club asked the board for its support in completing the four-wheeler trail from Roxbury to Oquossoc village by backing the use of a three-mile section of Route 17. While the state road is administered from Augusta, the process requires a letter of support from the local board. A public hearing to ask for residents’ input was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6.
Joining the meeting by speakerphone, Town Manager Tiki White passed on Town Planner Amanda Lessard’s request to budget for both a full-time and a part-time code enforcement officer, and to start the process by advertising for the full-time position, which the board approved.
The Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce requested permission to rebuild a kiosk in central Oquossoc. The plans are for a 10- by 16-foot building with a large picture and a notice board. The chamber has not measured for setback requirements because the site is covered with snow.
The board, while saying it would be good to see something at that location, suggested they come back for a vote after the snow melts and the site has been measured.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
