Newsletter

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER NEWS

THE 2000 ELM:  A COMMUNITY PROJECT

The roadside elm on #27 near the Belgrade/Rome town line had to come down before roadway reconstruction could begin.  Removed in log lengths by a D.O.T. crew, much of the tree’s wood has been preserved.

An ad hoc committee created by Katie Smith and Nancy Mairs caught up with the wood at Tukey Brothers’ North Belgrade mill.  Thanks to the generosity of the brothers and the careful work of Carroll & Wayne (Sawyers) & the rest of the Tukeys crew, there is now more than 1400 board feet of prime Ulmus Americana saw timber air drying in barn space donated for the purpose by Belgrade resident tish carr.  After 12-24 months air drying (length of time depends on wood thickness & drying temps), the planks will be kiln-dried & “set”, without cost to the Town, thanks to an offer by Garry Baker of West Gardiner.  We DO have to provide transport both ways, but by that time the stock will weigh a good deal less.

Once dried, part of the wood will be used in furnishing our Center for All Season.  The rest will be made available to citizens of Belgrade for what we hope will be a combined public & private use, I.E.; in making something for your family, save a few small pieces and make articles to be displayed & sold at the Center and Town Office.  How many times in your life will you get a chance to make an elm birdhouse? Bookends?  A model boat?  A child’s toy?

Iron in the butt log prevented Tukeys from sawing it, but the remainder is sawn wane- edge, 8/4,6/4 &5/4 (two-inch, inch 1/2, inch &1/4), and the result provided wood suited to tables, chests, a book-case, stools, etc. In the round there are tree cookies (discs cut from limbs large and small) and at the mill are several logs both large and small, from which sculpture of your very own invention could appear.  Notice will appear in the Town Newsletter when the sawn wood is dry, and stock for your project or projects, can then be obtained through application to the Town Office.  Be patient.  Enjoy

NEWSLETTER TID-BITS

The transfer station will not accept tires on the rim after September 1st 2000.  The charge for tires not on the rim remains at $1.00. Hours of operation are Monday: 8 am to 10 am trash only, Wed: 7 am to 3 pm, Sat: 7 am to 3 pm 

All applicants for permits that require a public hearing must provide for advertising this hearing to the Town of Belgrade.  The payment must be made on the day of, and prior to the start of the hearing.

BELGRADE HEALTH CENTER WALKING PROGRAM

BOOKS ON LOAN AT LOCAL POST OFFICES

Library Trustees have been sworn in and worked with the Library committee to finish policies.  They will be approved by the Trustees and presented to the Selectpersons.

Belgrade Public Library is supplying books for Loan Shelves at both Post Office lobbies.  We are delighted that vacationers and residents are making good use of these titles.

The half-time job of Library Director is being advertised locally and in the library profession, including the UMA library program. 

A thousand nice hard-cover books have been donated since this project started; they are equivalent to a $15,000 gift and each volume is appreciated.  Thank you, readers and fellow libraries everywhere.  They will be augmented by the new books being purchased.

The Belgrade Public Library needs people to help get our new Library up and running.  A recent donation of $3000 is a big boost. The library also needs people-power, ongoing support with special programs and events (the Open House or a float next July 4?). In order to accomplish these goals we are forming a Friends of the Library group. If you would like to be a Friend , please fill out the form below and return it to the Town Office. Any questions? Call Nan at 465-7924.

NAME____________________ TEL. OR E-MAIL_______________________

I CAN HELP:  SUMMER—–WINTER— YEAR-ROUND—IN LIBRARY——

SPECIAL EVENTS ——–OTHER

LIBRARY DIRECTOR SEARCH

The town of Belgrade is seeking a qualified individual to develop and manage the daily operations of a full-service, municipally supported, public library.  This will be an exciting opportunity for an individual with a commitment to patron service and the ability to work with volunteers.

This part time position will consist of 20 hours per week.  The qualified individual will work under the general supervision of the town Manager and be supported in an advisory capacity by the Library Board of Trustees.  This Library is part of the Belgrade Center for All Seasons which is presently under construction.  Computer skills, knowledge of library software and experience with library development are desired.  The successful candidate will demonstrate patience, initiative, and innovation, in addition to excellent communication and budgetary skills.

A Bachelor’s or Associates Degree in Library Science or an equivalent combination of experience and training, such as MLA Certification Level 6 is desired.  Students presently enrolled in one of these programs will be considered. 

Please forward your cover letter and resume by September 1, 2000 to:

Town of Belgrade, Attn.  Kathleen Smith, RR #2 Box 912, Belgrade, Maine  04917

GET READY FOR OCTOBERFEST 2000

Belgrade Lakes Business Group is again planning an October fest weekend—October 7th and 8th, 2000.

Oompah band, German beers, German Menus at local restaurants, Arts and Crafts tables, Pie baking contest, Harvest at Union Church and more………

Please watch for details.  If you are interested in selling your arts or crafts, please plan to send $10, your name, phone and what type of wares...to BLBG, PO Box 596 Belgrade Lakes, Maine  04918. This pays for your space.  All proceeds benefit the business Group for future activities.  The tables will be set up at The Village Inn Parking lot or at Village Peddler Gift Shop.

October 8th The golf Tournament to benefit the Belgrade Pre-School is being planned for around noon.  Talk with Brian Bernatchez if you want to sponsor a team

Last year the BLBG honored Patty Kimball for her dedication and devotion to the flowers at her home and around the area of Peninsula Park.

This year the Business Group has selected Kerry & Dianne Oliver as the recipients of our recognition.  They generously started the Fire work fund last year and again this year.  They support that activity with hours of work as well as location and facilities.  They are always willing to donate to prizes, to welcome baskets, to community efforts, to children’s programs and more.  We truly see them as exemplary citizens in Belgrade Lakes Business Community.  They will be recognized at the August Dinner being sponsored by the BLBG at the Village Inn August 17th.

INFORMATION FROM THE LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE

LRPC MEMBERSHIP

Welcome to Bruce Hazard, recently appointed by the Selectpersons to the Long Range Planning Committee.  LRPC membership and terms are now as follows:

FUTURE TOWN OFFICE AND CENTRAL FIRE STATION SITE

The Selectpersons directed the LRPC to prepare a specific proposal and budget request for preliminary site work for the town-owned property south of Pine Grove Cemetery.  This includes an environmental assessment, improved site access from Rt 27, plus a plan for sale of remaining recoverable sand and permanent pit closure in coordination with adjoining property owners.  It is intended that the proposal and budget request for preliminary site work be included in the forthcoming budget cycle, for action at the March 2001 Town Meeting.

Belgrade should act promptly to confirm this site because of its central location and demands which are certain to arise as the town grows.  However, any proposal for actual construction of the combined facility will be deferred, pending review of options to extend the useful life of the present Town Office building, compelling Fire Department justification for the central station , adjustment to opportunities and costs related to the new recreation center and overall town budget considerations.

FORESTRY GRANT APPROVED

The town is approved for a grant of $2,000 under the 2000 Community Forestry Grants Program of the Maine Forest Service for professional help in developing management plans for town-owned forest land and roadside trees.  This grant will be matched with town growth management funds and in-kind volunteer labor. The Town Office was just notified that grant funding is now available so reimbursable work can begin

HISTORIC PRESERVATIONS

Removal of the Belgrade Old South Church is a private matter, but loss of this landmark structure dating from 1828 is a vivid reminder that preservation of historic sites in Belgrade cannot be taken for granted.  The LRPC has invited Dana Vaillancourt of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission to its September 18th meeting for an exploratory discussion of what can be done to protect local historic assets and the related experiences of other towns.  The public is welcome at all LRPC meetings.

BELGRADE PARK AND REC NEWS

The Board of Parks and Recreation (BPR) has been working closely with the New Recreation Director, Cathie Pinkham.  Our Summer Recreation Program has come to an end and we look forward to using this years evaluation forms to make our program next year a great success.  Thank you all for your input!!!!  The BPR is also very busy planning a Grand Opening for The Center for All Seasons.  If you have any ideas please forward them to the Board. Upcoming events: 1)  Fall Senior foliage trip, Greenville and Jackman route, Thursday, September 21, 2000.  2)  Fryeburg Fair Seniors Day, Tuesday, October 3, 2000.  Both trips will meet at North Belgrade Community Center at 8 A.M for coffee and donuts, and will return around 5 P.M. The fee for Residents is $5.00 and Non-Residents is $10.00.  Limited seats are available so register early.  3)  Come join us for a walk and talk around the new Belgrade golf course, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 and Thursday mornings at 6:00.  We meet at the Old Belgrade Rec. Center off Route 27.  Remember, the BPR is in the process of planning and implementing new ideas for The Center.  If you would like to help in any way now or in the future, please let us know.

Lastly, the Board is seeking one new member for a position that is open.  Please contact Belgrade Town Office, or the Chair, Betty Jo Howard.  You may forward requests for information to RR 2 Box 912, Belgrade, Maine  04917 or call 495-2258

BELGRADE LAKES REGION, INC

INFORMATION CENTER NEWS

Many thanks go to the following people that have donated their time to keep the Center open this summer.  They have greeted 1,278 visitors whom have come from 35 states, 8 foreign countries & 5 provinces of Canada.

Ann & Reno Deschaine, Evelyn Charles, Les & Evy Oberheim, Frank Mitchel, Jean Casey, Mike and Katie Guarino, Jucinta Vogel, Carl Kimball, Susan Marello, Linda Sinclair, Dickie Whitaker, Sylvaane Labun, Ray Winegardner, Pastor Larry Wiles, Mary Leavitt, Lois Doran, Ellen Walter, Esmer & Lloyd Tilton, B.J. Howard & Marshalyn Baker.

Many people stopped in from our state of Maine.  If you have not paid the Center a visit please take the time to do so.  There is a wealth of information on many subjects & areas throughout the State including our Region.  Should there be something our volunteer’s are not familiar with at that moment you can be sure they will do their best to find out for you.

While visiting the Center please admire the wonderful preservation & framing of our poster from the Fish & Wildlife Department.  Thank you so very much Karen Swan for this priceless contribution.  We all know it was quite a challenge considering the condition the poster was in!

There are a few things that are for sale.  Maps, fishing & hiking books & of course the Region’s 2000 T & Sweatshirts in a variety of sizes & colors.  The money that comes from the sale of these items goes toward the upkeep of the building which dates back to 1956.

On that note, thanks to Ray Winegardner for the major repair to the roof.  The metal stove pipe, which dates back to the 50’s when a wood stove was used for heat, caused volunteers to be greeted by many large puddles behind the desk during this very wet summer, was removed & the roof re-shingled.

Even though it seems that the Season is winding down there will be many more visitors looking for help.  That means we hope to continue to keep the Information Center open until the week after Labor Day.  There is always a need for volunteers to help keep the doors open.  If this is something you might like to do this year or next please give Sylvia a call at 495-3509.  Thank you!!

We are now getting ready to plan the new 2001 brochure.  If you would like to be part of this widely distributed informational piece please call 495-3509 or 495-2165 for the necessary forms.

POLICIES

PLEASE REVIEW THE REVISED  POLICIES AND FEE STRUCTURE FOR THE USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES PREPARED BY THE BELGRADE BOARD OF PARKS AND  RECREATION.  WE WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE  YOUR WRITTEN SUGGESTIONS IN REGARD TO THESE REVISIONS.  PLEASE FORWARD YOUR RESPONSES TO THE TOWN OFFICE BY SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2000.  WE WILL UPDATE THESE POLICIES WITH THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE US.  THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING PREVIOUS TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF THESE POLICIES BY THE SELECTBOARD.

TOWN OF BELGRADE BOARD OF PARKS & RECREATION

Mission Statement for Board of Park & Recreation:

The Board of Parks & Recreation will provide children, teenagers, adults, and seniors of Belgrade with exceptional year-round recreational, cultural, educational and social activities.

Our Assets

The Belgrade Community Center for All Seasons will provide the year-round community center for recreational, educational, social and cultural activities.

The North Belgrade Community Center will provide additional space year-round for smaller recreational gatherings.

The two town beaches (one on Long Pond and one on Great Pond) provide ample outdoor beachfront for Belgrade citizens to enjoy activities in all seasons.

In addition, Belgrade's parks (Peninsula Park and Hayden Park) offer additional space for enjoying the outdoors along the water.

Value Statements:

The activities planned by the Board of Parks and Recreation will: Value Belgrade's lakes, its water quality and its recreational characteristics.

Value a variety of recreational programming to enable Belgrade citizens of all ages, abilities, and income to have the opportunity to participate in community activities.

Value an environment that promotes positive social interactions among many generations.

Value the exchange of ideas, the expression of opinions, and opportunities to learn from one another.

We value facilities that enhance our ability to do these things and promote community spirit and pride.

DRAFT

Town of Belgrade Parks and Recreation Policies and Fee Structure
Revised June 20, 2000

STATEMENT OF NEED

To provide public open space and recreational programming opportunities it is necessary for the Town of Belgrade to develop a sound and consistent policy that will provide guidance for evaluating and establishing policies and fees. The policies and fee structure allows the Town of Belgrade to offer expanded recreational programs at the new Belgrade Community Center for All Seasons on Great Pond.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Belgrade's Parks and Recreation programs must efficiently offer the most diversified recreational services possible, ensuring that all Belgrade citizens have equal opportunity and choice of participation. However, recognizing Belgrade citizens' concerns about operating expenses and the cost to their taxes, it is necessary to develop policies for a fee structure that ensures adequate recreational opportunities at a fair cost to taxpayers.

A system of fees or charges must supplement other resources available to Belgrade Parks and Recreation, not replace them or be used to diminish municipal responsibility to provide public open space and leisure opportunities. Therefore, these policies around fees or charges must be viewed as a method to continue or expand the ability to provide basic services on an equitable basis.

EVALUATION OF POLICIES AND FEES

The Town of Belgrade Parks and Recreation shall review and make appropriate amendments to the policies on guidelines and fee structure as well as the accompanying rental fees on a quarterly basis for the first two years and annually thereafter. Amendments to be submitted to the Board of Selectpersons for review and approval.

GUIDELINES FOR FEES OR CHARGES

The underlying principle of Belgrade's Parks and Recreation programs must be to provide affordable access to the town's recreational resources. Various funding sources will be used for operating the facility and ensuring its viability for years to come including capital improvement funds, grants-in aid, town appropriations, special gifts and donations, in-kind support from volunteers, as well as membership, program fees and rental income.

A. Membership

Belgrade taxpayers and/or full time residents will automatically be considered a member of the Belgrade Community Center for all Seasons. Members will be entitled to receive basic services such as access to the beach and grounds, access to the building, free enrollment in basic programs (e.g. open gym, indoor walking program, ping pong, bridge or chess tournament), and reduced costs for enrollment in special programs (e.g. craft classes, educational programs requiring an instructor). Full time residents are defined as any individual or family who live year-round in Belgrade. Belgrade taxpayers and/or full time residents will be provided with special visitor passes for their out of town guests.

Non-Belgrade taxpayers and/or part-time residents may become members entitling them to these basic services by paying a $50 individual rate or $100 family rate annually.

Visitors may also enjoy our recreational resources by purchasing a daily ($3 per person or $6 per family), weekly ($15 per person or $30 per family), or summer membership, May through September, ($35 per person or $70 per family).

Program Fees

Some programs require additional funds for extra costs associated with them, such as supervision or instruction, equipment or materials. The member rate for such programs will cover direct costs. The non-member rate will be 35% over and above direct costs.

Rental Income

Belgrade taxpayers and/or full time residents will be able to rent space at the Belgrade Community Center for all Seasons for private functions (birthday parties, weddings, reunions) or commercial use (business meetings or non-profits outside of Belgrade) at a base fee to be determined after the building has been operating for three months.

Town sponsored community service groups will be allowed to use the facility at no cost during times when a program is not taking place. Non-Belgrade taxpayers and/or part-time residents may be able to rent the facility or specific areas at a fee of 50% above and beyond the base fee.

The priority for use of the building will first and foremost be for recreational programs, secondly for community service groups, and lastly, other rentals. No reservations for rental of space will be considered until 2001.

APPROVAL PROCESS FOR USE OF FACILITIES

(Community Service Groups and Rentals)

Requisites for Approval

Approval for the use of the facilities will be given based on the priorities established, first recreational programs, secondly community service groups and lastly, other rentals.

B. Authorization to Approve Requests

A request to use the Belgrade Parks and Recreation facilities, or to post forms of advertising on the premises, or to utilize the names of structures or facilities in advertising a product must be in the form of a written application directed to the Recreation Director. After reviewing and completing the application (appendix A), the Director will forward it to the Town Manager or their designees for approval.

Any applicant denied the rental and use of Belgrade Parks and Recreation facilities shall have the right to appeal the denial to the Board of Selectpersons. The appeal shall be made in writing within ten days of the denial and will state all information concerning the denial.

REQUISITES FOR RENTALS

Deposit and Refund Policy

A 50% deposit is due with the application for use of the facility. The rental deposit or full fee is refundable if the application is denied or if cancellation is received at least 21 days prior to the scheduled activity or if less than 21 days prior to the event, the facility can be re-rented during the scheduled time. The total rental payment is due 21 days prior to the event (Does not pertain to community service organizations)

Liability Insurance

Applicants must provide the Recreation Director with evidence of comprehensive general liability insurance sufficient to protect the Town of Belgrade against risk, with a limit of at least Five hundred thousand $500,000) for each occurrence, which names the Town of Belgrade as an additional insured, or Certificates of Insurance acceptable to the Town of Belgrade. Proof of insurance must be provided to the town at least ten days in advance of the event.

Only Belgrade town sponsored activities will be covered by the town's liability insurance.

REQUISITES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATION USE

The Town of Belgrade may decide to sponsor an activity being conducted by a Belgrade charitable, community service organization in their facilities that furthers the mission of Belgrade Parks and Recreation (to provide : children, teenagers, adults, and seniors of Belgrade with exceptional year-round recreational, cultural, educational and social activities).

Expectations During Use

Community Service Organizations using the Center shall be responsible for set up and clean up of the space.

Community Service Organizations using the Center during hours not staffed by the Recreation Director, a volunteer, or other designee, shall be responsible for the safety and security of the building and the people within it.

The Town reserves the right to bill the community service organization for unusual costs or damages associated with their use of the building.

THESE POLICIES SUPERCEDE ALL PREVIOUS POLICIES

SELECTPERSONS CORNER
Selectpersons meetings every first and third Tuesday of the month 7 P.M. Town Office.

For those of you who would like to have something on an Agenda please have the information to the office not later than Thursday afternoon so that the Secretary may have the information ready for the Selectpersons in a timely manner.Thank you

Planning Board meetingsevery first and third Thursday of the month 7 P.M. Town Office.

Code Enforcement Officer, Gary Fuller is here on Thursday evenings from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. for all of your building permit questions.Phone 495-2258 Home 495-3868