Oxford Board of Selectmen

May 3, 2018

Oxford Town Office

Erosion Control

What happened: Jeff Stearn, environmental planner for the Androscoggin River Watershed Council, said erosion on Rabbit Valley Road is affecting algae growth in nearby Whitney and Hogan ponds.

What it means: Stern provided information on a matching Maine Department of Environmental Protection grant that could help pay for restoration. The work would cost the town about $15,000, he said.

What’s next: Town Manager Butch Asselin said work needs to be done on the road regardless of the grant, but he hoped the state would consider using the town’s labor and equipment as in-kind contribution for the grant requirement. Stern said he believed they would consider an in-kind contribution. The application is due June 15.

Parking lot off limits

What happened: Asselin said the parking lot at the Town Office closest to the Oxford Elementary School will be inaccessible probably until the end of June.

What it means: The town is working on sewer system connections on Pleasant Street and has blocked off that lot. The parking lot on the opposite side is available.

What’s next: The project is expected to end by June 29 and proceed up Pleasant Street.

Thompson Lake Dam

What happened: Myron B. Petrovsky of MBP Consulting in Portland and an engineer from the state have done a study of the dam on Thompson Lake.

What it means: Asselin said the dam appears to be in good shape, but several items need to be addressed.

What’s next: Electricity will be brought to the gate and a diver will enter the water to look for leaks. The gate that regulates the water at the former Robinson Mill has not been closing properly, he said.

Welchville Dam

What happened: The state has informed the town that there is no money to do a feasibility study for possible removal of the dam on the Little Androscoggin River.

What’s next: There will be about $30 million available after July 1. The board was encouraged to reapply for the grant.

Annual town meeting

What happened: Selectman Floyd Thayer asked what could be done to increase the voter turnout at the annual town meeting in June.

What it means: Thayer suggested every taxpayer receive a mailing announcing what is on the warrant. Others suggested televising meetings, using more prominent signs announcing the date and even a different day for the meeting. 

What’s next: He asked Asselin to look into the costs of a mailing.

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