NEW GLOUCESTER — Voters at Monday’s annual town meeting rejected an ordinance prohibiting the sale of fireworks, arguing against interfering with commerce and saying sales are regulated by the state.
John Randall of the Public Safety Committee said the big concern was safety in local stores.
In slightly less than three hours, moderator Gary Wood of Portland led approximately 100 registered voters as they approved 35 of 36 articles.
Voters approved the purchase of the 4½-acre Parsons property at 5 Upper Village St. next to the town garage for $140,500.
Resident Louis C. Talarico II’s plea to voters to allow the town to take his foreclosed property at 114 Hatch Road off a list of properties for disposal failed. Voters learned that Talarico owes about $24,000 in taxes and interest accrued in the past three years.
Talarico cited personal hardship with medical and financial problems and will state his case Thursday with the Cumberland County Board of Assessment Review in hopes for abatement.
“I have a lot of sympathy for people having a tough time. Everyone has equal opportunity to due process and rights,” Town Manager Paul First said.
New Gloucester has a foreclosure ordinance that governs the steps necessary for taxpayers with options for a payment plan.The town owns the property once foreclosed, but voters authorize the town to take possession of the properties. This year, 13 properties are on the list that voters approved for disposal.
“In my 19 years on the board, we’ve never taken someone’s home,” Board of Selectmen Chairman Steve Libby said.
Voters approved funding a public works preliminary design and engineering study at $38,000 for the Public Works garage. The money is from a $16,000 Cumberland County Community Development Block Grant and $22,000 from taxes.
Funding to replace the Outlet Road Bridge at the northern end of Sabbathday Lake was OK’d. The cost of $125,000 is less than anticipated.
Voters agreed to spend nearly $500,000 from capital reserves for new equipment and construction projects.
An agreement with the owner of the Lil’ Mart property at 1026 Lewiston Road was approved. The deal will continue to allow encroachment of a shed and a building corner on the town’s right of way. Lil’ Mart, a gas station and convenience store, rents the property and wants to buy it, which would require the agreement to continue.
The municipal budget for 2015-16 is $4.16 million, or $165,529 more than this fiscal year. Anticipated revenues total $2.19 million, which leaves $1.97 million to be raised from taxes.
Barbara A. Seaver, register of voters, deputy tax collector, deputy town clerk and assistant treasurer. was honored for 30 years of service as she prepares for retirement.
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