CAMDEN — While the agenda posed the opportunity to publicly endorse state bonding for transportation, sewer and water improvements, and higher education, the Camden Select Board voted Tuesday evening, Oct. 23, not to suggest political affinity for any of them.

Despite not appearing on the agenda, the Camden Select Board entered executive session following the last item of the meeting's agenda, citing public property interests and consulting the attorney concerning legal rights and duties of the board as reasons for calling the board into a meeting behind closed doors. In this case, the session included Code Enforcement Officer Steve Wilson, Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Kuller, Town Attorney Bill Kelly, Town Manager Patricia Finnigan, and the five Select Board members. They were in discussion for approximately one hour and made no motions upon exiting their executive session.

It took some discussion, as board members questioned whether it was their role at all to advocate for local and state referenda that will appear on the Nov. 6 general elections. The conversation about state referenda came at the end of a two-hour regularly scheduled Select Board meeting. In the end, the five men voted not to issue a resolution supporting state bond issues but to encourage voters to fully understand the purpose of the bonds (2, 3, 4, and 5) and make informed decisions when they do cast their ballots. While Bond No. 3 — funding for Land for Maine's Future — was not on the agenda originally for inclusion in the possible resolution, it was added as conversation developed.

"It's a bit unusual," said board member Leonard Lookner, wondering how appropriate it was for a municipal select board to take a position on referendums. "I feel uncomfortable endorsing these bond issues."

He questioned a trend that appeared to make the board "a lot more political," but added he was not opposed to general board conversation about the bonds.

"We can discuss it and make people aware of what these bond issues are," said Lookner.

Board member Jim Heard agreed with Lookner's sentiments, as did John French, who said, "I understand why we want to bring attention to it make people aware of it," but he also thought it unusual that the board's agenda called for a possible resolution to support the specific bonds.

French said Camden could stand to benefit from the latter bond, if approved by Maine voters, to tend to Laite Beach water issues.

Lookner asked why Bond Issue 3, concerning a $5 million bond for acquiring land and conservation easements, was not on the agenda for possible endorsement. Town Manager Patricia Finnigan said it was supposed to be there.

Board member Don White said he supported the three bonds and said the board had an opportunity to tell the public that some of the bond money could come back to the town.

"This is the wrong forum to do it in," said Lookner. "I am in favor of three of the bonds but I am not in favor of endorsing any of them."

Nov. 6, 2012 - Maine State
Referendum Election

The following referenda questions will appear on the ballot, in this order. The links to the referendums lead directly to the proposed bills or bonds.

Question 1: Citizen Initiative
Do you want to allow the State of Maine to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples?

An Act To Allow Marriage Licenses for Same-sex Couples and Protect Religious Freedom Question


2: Bond Issue Do you favor an $11,300,000 bond issue to provide funds for capital to build a diagnostic facility for the University of Maine System; for capital improvements and equipment, including machine tool technology, for the Maine Community College System; and for capital improvements and equipment at the Maine Maritime Academy?

An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Higher Education



Question 3: Bond Issue Do you favor a $5,000,000 bond issue to purchase land and conservation easements statewide from willing sellers for public land and water access, conservation, wildlife or fish habitat and outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing and deer wintering areas, and to preserve working farmland and working waterfronts to be matched by at least $5,000,000 in private and public contributions?

An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Support Maine's Natural Resource-based Economy


Question 4: Bond Issue Do you favor a $51,500,000 bond issue for improvements to highways and bridges, local roads, airports and port facilities, as well as for funds for rail access, transit buses and the LifeFlight Foundation, which will make the State eligible for at least $105,600,000 in federal and other matching funds?

An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Invest in Transportation Infrastructure To Meet the Needs of the Business Sector and To Create Jobs


Question 5: Bond Issue Do you favor a $7,925,000 bond issue to be expended over 2 years for revolving loan funds for drinking water systems and for wastewater treatment facilities, which will make the State eligible to secure $39,625,000 in federal grants?

An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Wastewater and Drinking Water Revolving Loan Funds

In the end, the board members agreed it was their role to inform voters about state referenda questions, not attempt to sway their votes.

"That's what we are here for, to educate and make sure people are in the know," said French.

The board was not so united in opinion as to whether they should endorse municipal warrant articles; already this political season board members have advocated one way or another for the two ordinance amendments that will appear before Camden voters on Nov. 6. Those amendments concern the size and placement of signs in town, as well as loosening expansion regulations for nonconforming properties with existing businesses on them.

Earlier in the meeting during the citizens comment period, Planning Board member Lowrie Sargent and Downtown Business Group Chairman Oscar Verest both spoke in support of the amendments, saying they would help small business and not diminish the character of the town. Meanwhile, Camden resident Gian-Angelo Gallace spoke against the amendments, in particular the expansion of nonconforming lots, citing potential adverse effects on neighbors.

Several Select Board members delivered opinions about the amendments, as well, during the citizen comment period. Lookner said he had attended a number of planning board meeting and hearings concerning the amendments and tended to disagree with planning board members. He said he had no dog in the fight and was not attempting to denigrate the merchants; his opposition to the signage was in part the cause of his recent retirement, he said.

"There are many more signs than in previous years," he said. "Every year, it seems there are more and more signs. It's not about signage but it is about good business."

He also said the loosening of zoning regulations for approximately 11 businesses was wrong, and he disagreed with using the board forum as a way to influence people about voting.

"Before we know it we will have candidates here saying, 'vote for me,'" he said.

White said he was convinced that the sign amendments are good for Camden, "and will not damage character of town, [but] keep more of business local, and inform people."

Board member Martin Cates said: "These are the discussions, and all valid means of expressing opinions. Part of the concern is the myths. It doesn't mean a proliferation of signs. We are not going to be the next New Jersey. We are still going to be Camden. We are not going to be a strip."

As for helping nonconforming businesses that provide services and personal touch, he said, “I think that's huge. It's not a character change or a game-changer for the town of Camden."

In other town business

Over the course of two hours, the Select Board tended to a full agenda that included granting the West Bay Rotary permission to hold a wine, beer and cheese tasting event at the U.S. Toboggan Nationals Feb. 8 for four hours, providing the organization meets all necessary contingencies and regulations. The approval also includes a provision that no amplified music be allowed.

The Select Board expressed concern throughout the discussion about municipal liability, especially regarding the consumption of "firewater."

Sandy Cox, President of West Bay Rotary and toboggan committee member, told the board that the event would take place in the organization's 30-foot by 50-foot tent, and would donate the proceeds back to the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area, in the name of Ken Bailey and Don Gross, two Rotarians who died this year. The Rotarians anticipated hosting 200-250 participants and the event would represent eight to 10 breweries, two to three wineries, two to three cheese companies and two to three food companies. He said there would be a dead zone, a buffer of eight to 10 feet, that would separate event-goers from the rest of the nationals. Five or six Rotarians would police the facility, he said. Transportation would be offered to area locations; police and fire chiefs are onboard with the plans, he said.

"Is anyone assuming responsibility for someone consuming too much firewater," asked French.

Cox said Rotary International has insurance coverage for such events.

French said he has never supported alcohol consumption at the municipally-owned Ragged Mountain.

"With all the alcohol out there you could fill that lake three times over," he said.

Cox said he would obtain the agreement to verify liability questions.

Other business included:

• A public hearing concerning annual guidelines governing general assistance to the needy, which subsequently were approved;
  
  
• Renewing a three-year Curtis Island caretaker agreement with David and Diane Conover ("Can we get a meeting out there with blueberry muffins," asked Lookner, who described a previous meeting on the picturesque island in Camden's harbor as "the highlight of my year.");
  
  
• Agreeing to put before the Budget Committee a petition signed by 20 Rockbrook Drive residents who want to have their road resurfaced. Board member John French also cited the poor condition of Thomas Street, which he described as "busted up and in horribe shape."
  
  
• Voting to sell to Jonesboro a 1991 E1 Camden fire truck for $23,501, as soon as practicable for both towns. Camden had received two offers on the truck, which had been listed with the Maine Municipal Association and Maine Fire Chiefs Association. Following that discussion, Finnigan noted that Fire Chief Chris Farley now represents Knox County as a director for the Maine Fire Chiefs Association.
  
  
• Hearing from Camden Public Library trustee Dave Jackson about his pending trip to Washington, D.C., to advocate before the National Parks Service committee that reviews nominations to the federal status of National Historic Landmarks. Camden's Public Library Amphitheater has been nominated to the National Park Service as a National Historic Landmark, a decision that will be made Nov. 7 or 8 at the General Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The process by which a property in the U.S. Becomes a National Historic Landmark is methodical, and it is ultimately up to the National Park System Advisory Board and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. Maine has 42 national historic landmarks; in this region, Fort Knox in Prospect and the Olson House in Cushing, plus a number of schooners with home ports in Camden and Rockland. Becoming an historic landmark is not easy, and are considered so because they "posess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. There are 2,500 historic places in the U.S. That bear the distinction, according to the National Park Service.

"National Historic Landmarks are exceptional places," the service says. "They form a common bond between all Americans. While there are many historic places across the nation, only a small number have meaning to all Americans--these we call our National Historic Landmarks."

Becoming a national landmark also opens doors to funding for protection of properties and other projects.

According to the lengthy nomination submission, the: "Camden Amphitheatre and Public Library is nationally significant under NHL Criterion 4 and NHL Theme, Expressing Cultural Values (Landscape Architecture). Designed and constructed between 1928 and 1931, this one-of-a-kind property represents the creative genius of Fletcher Steele (1885-1971), one of the nation's premier practitioners of 20th-Century landscape design. The Camden Amphitheatre, with the associated grounds of the Camden Public Library, is an outstanding and enduring example of Steele's work – one that reflects the inspiration of many historical antecedents and the fusion of several distinct early twentieth century trends in landscape design. At the same time, his design for the amphitheater reflects his emerging interest in European Modernism and foreshadows the introduction of modernist principles in American landscape architecture. The Camden Amphitheatre and the grounds of the library form a unique designed landscape, representing the genius of Steele's method of fusing multiple design concepts to form a single, unified landscape composition – one aesthetically compelling and functionally successful. Rendered in native stone and planted with indigenous trees and shrubs, Steele's composition achieves a highly articulated sense of regionalism, providing an essential link between the Colonial Revival design of the library building and the celebrated scenery of the Camden waterfront and coastal Maine."

The Select Board agreed to to send a letter to National Park Service landmark committee to support the possible designation — to "heartily endorse," emphasized Lookner.

Editorial Director Lynda Clancy can be reached at lyndaclancy@PenBayPilot.com; 706-6657.