Newsletter

SO LONG WINTER
HELLO SUMMER

WELCOME ANNE CAMERON, ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

My name is Anne Cameron and I have been appointed Animal Control Officer for your Town. I come to the Town with approx. 8 years of Animal control experience for three different towns, which means three different ways of doing the job. I can only do the job that your dog ordinance allows me to do. If that means possibly re-writing the ordinance to fit the needs of your town that will be one, of course with the help and guidance of your Selectpersons and any residents that want different issues covered.

I live in Mt. Vernon and am currently an at-home Mom of a kindergartener and a pre-schooler.

I feel very strongly about all animal issues and feel that every resident should have a place to call for any animal situation that might come up. As far as the coverage for the town, I have set up a calling system (as follows) that seems to be fair to both myself and the resident that has an animal situation, which needs to be addressed.

My number is 293-3749, please call between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm anytime for question/situations/problems etc. If it is after those times, I would ask that only emergencies be addressed. I do have two other towns that I cover so please leave a message if I am not home and I will get back to you ASAP.

I am certified and keep up will all the yearly training that the job requires. We just recently had our annual meeting in Bangor, which proved to be a valuable learning experience. I am also vaccinated with pre exposure Rabies, which enables me to be protected against the rabies disease if I am unfortunate enough to get bit by a rabid animal (so far so good).

Lastly, the definition of Animal Control Officer is to cover any domestic animal issues for town’s residents, at any level. If you have a wild animal problem you could call the Game Warden service for assistance # 547-5300, but I am also an approved Animal Damage Control Cooperator for the state. This means I am able to trap wild animals that are being a nuisance to you and/or your property. If it is a larger problem than I can handle, due to traps or location, I would be able to get the help we need to take care of the situation. I do charge for this wild animal service— The charge for the wild animal service is $30.00/set-up fee which covers the baiting and re-checking of the trap until we catch the varmint. It would be $10.00 for each additional animal I take away, and the mileage is .28 per mile.

Thank you for working with me as I begin this position for your Town and I am anxious to get to know your Town officials and residents alike. Just a reminder, dogs are to be licensed yearly, by January 31st, as per state law. You need a State of Maine rabies certificate to do this, also if your pet is neutered you would need to bring in that certificate also to get the lower rate for licensing. Neutered pets are $4.50 and Un-neutered pets are $7.00

THANKS AGAIN, ANNE CAMERON

NEWS FROM BELGRADE FIRE AND RESCUE. NEW RESCUE BOAT IN SERVICE AS OF JUNE 1

Fire Permits:

Each day between 8:30 am and 9:00 am The Maine Forest Service gives us the class of fire danger. Class 1 –5. Class 1 being minimal danger and Class 5 being the most danger.

There are no open fires allowed without a permit.

Town Fire Wardens are:
Jeff Stevens 495-2085
Ed Ketch 495-3861
Roger Pelletier 465-3420
Mark Day 495-3840

Please call after 9:00 am on weekends.

We are currently adding on to the rear of the Depot Fire Station. When the addition is completed Rescue will be moved in for a more central location. All materials and labor have been donated by local area businesses and Fire/Rescue personnel. Thanks to all for making this possible.

UPDATE ON RABIES

A total of 85 animals tested positive for rabies in 2001. There were 11 animals that tested positive in Kennebec County: 2 raccoons, 7 skunks, 1 bat and 1 cow. This number is down from 248 animals that tested positive for rabies in 1998; this is not an indication of a lack of rabid animals but a lack of animals submitted for testing. Maine only tests animals, which have had contact with people, pets or agricultural animals.

A total of 98 persons were treated prophylactically following contact with a rabid or suspect rabid animal in 2001. Types of exposure, which warrant treatment for rabies prophylaxis, are:

Bite from a mammal, which could not be captured and quarantined (if stray dog or cat) or tested (if wild animal)

Mucous membrane exposure to fresh saliva from a rabid or suspect rabid animal.

Would exposure (akin to being bitten) to the saliva of a rabid or suspect rabid animal.

Scratch inflicted by a rabid or suspect rabid animal and contaminated with the animal’s saliva.

Exposures to bats in which a bite could have taken place (I.E. finding a bat in a child’s room) and the bat could not be captured for testing.

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is costly (average $2500 per person) and is not without potential side effects. Exposure issues are usually complicated and much depends on whether or not the animal can be captured and tested or quarantined.

It is therefore so very important that all of our dogs and cats are immunized for rabies and that these immunizations are kept up to date. There were 97 domesticated or agricultural animal exposures to a confirmed rabid animal recorded in 2001. Of these, 73 were up to date on their rabies vaccination and only required a booster dose of vaccine as well as 45 days of observation for symptoms of rabies. 24 animals were not up to date on their rabies vaccination and their owners were required to quarantine the animal for 6 months or euthanize the animal. Of these, 14 animals were quarantined for 6 months and 10 animals were euthanized.

It is also very important that we teach our children not to touch or play with or try to capture wild animals, especially if they are acting strange.

BELGRADE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND FRIENDS OF THE BELGRADE PUBLIC LIBRARY

A group of Belgrade folks have started to organize a Belgrade Historical Society… they have held two meetings. There seems to be a lot of interest in learning more about our old houses or in gathering some of the old photos in one spot, etc. If you have any information or any memorabilia, old deeds, old photos, interest and energy… please call Gloria Mcgraw at Long Pond Realty at 495-9220

THE FRIENDS OF THE BELGRADE PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL BE MEETING ON JUNE 19TH AT 7 PM AT THE CENTER FOR ALL SEASONS. ALL ARE WELCOME! PLEASE CALL LAURA ROMANO AT 495-3356 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NEWS FROM BELGRADE LAKES REGION INC.
Here’s wishing everyone a great start to a successful season

No one anticipates the arrival of spring like the Belgrade Lakes Region Inc. It has been a long winter for many of us and we are looking forward to a busy tourist season and lots of warm, sunny days.

We hope to have the information booth up and running by June 15th. We are still in need of volunteers to help man the booth. This is a great opportunity for young people to get out and volunteer in the community or anyone who wants to spend a few hours greeting visitors to our area. Your donation of time no matter how small is much wanted. Anyone interested should call Sylvia Amon at 495-3509 or Jan Partridge at 495-3864. As in the past years we also will be looking for an individual for a paid position on Saturdays.

Our new brochures are done and in circulation. The brochure committee did a great job with a new layout, map and logo. We hope to get a jump start on the 2003 ones sometime during August. Remember, you don’t have to be a member to advertise.

The annual meeting will be held this year at the Union Church on June 5th at 5 p.m.

BELGRADE LAKES BUSINESS GROUP UPDATE

The business group is very excited about our summer events. July 4th will be here soon, and again this year we have planned a full day of family activities. Early in the day the antique boat parade will cruise down Mill Stream (behind the village). Contact Gail Rizzo at 495-3200 if you would like to join the boat parade. Along with kids games, a frog jumping contest, a fly fishing demo and music, the traditional parade will proceed through the village at 4 pm. This year to help make the fireworks extra special we are offering donation cards at Business Group businesses. When a donation is made the donor will have the opportunity to express a sentiment on a festive card which will be proudly displayed in the area businesses. All donations will directly support the fireworks. Many other activities are planned for the day. Look for details in flyers. We are also always looking for parade participation, how about a kazoo bank, a lawn chair brigade, or a family float. Contact Amy Bernatchez at 495-2493 or Laura Richter at 495-9217 for more info.

On July 28th, the Business group in conjunction with the Health Center will hold an Art Festival and chicken BBQ at The Center For all Seasons. This will be a spectacular opportunity to view and purchase art work from very talented artists from all over the state. While enjoying your taste buds with the chicken BBQ on a picnic table by the lake. Yahhh—Summer in Belgrade at its best!! Contact Karen Swan at 495-2264 for more info.

On August 3rd we will offer another of family fun with our Loon Festival. Many special events are planned for this day including the famous Loon Calling Contest. Contact Gloria McGraw at 495-9220 for more info.

On August 15th join us for an adult evening with a Luau at the Village Inn. Contact Dottie Danforth at 495-3553 for more info.

We will have more detailed information on our August events as they near. Until then, let’s enjoy the Summer with the family and friends, making memories to last a lifetime.

MORE NEWS ABOUT ANIMAL CONTROL

We have appointed Anne Cameron as Animal Control Officer. She is also the Animal Control Officer for Mt. Vernon and Manchester and does this full time. She is becoming accustomed to our community and our procedures. Please be explicit when providing her with directions; and please take a moment to check to be sure all dogs are registered and all shots are up-to-date. She will be updating our files as time goes by.

She can be contacted directly at 293-3749 or through the Town Office at 495-2258.

THANK YOU JAMES MINOT FOR YOUR MANY YEARS AS ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Summer is here at last and we have planned a very busy summer just for you ! July 4th the center is closed, however, the outdoor showers and rest rooms will be available. Take advantage of the Belgrade Parade at 4 pm and the Fireworks that will be held in the Village at 9:15 pm. On July 5th at 5:30 we will hold an ice-cream social to help cool off from all the activities that Belgrade offers on July 4th.

Teens we have set up our 2nd Annual 3 on 3 Teen Basketball Tournament to be held on Saturday, July 13th from 12—5 pm. There is a $20.00 fee per team. Roster, registrations and fees must be received no later than Wednesday, July 10th. Remember, we have also planned a canoe and kayak club to be held on Fridays at 4:30 pm beginning in July. Pre-registration is required, Call ahead!! And, just when you are ready to head back to school, we will hold an end of the summer teen dance. So, bring your girl or guy to the center on Saturday, August 24th from 6:30—9 pm and have a great time. $3.00 an individual and $5.00 a couple. Live music will be provided!! Volunteers are appreciated.

Saturday, July 20th we will hold our Annual Community Yard Sale from 9 am to 3 pm. Reserve your tables now at $5.00 per table or donate your unwanted items to the recreation tables. This sale will be advertised well in advance and will be placed into the Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal.

Seniors and young adults alike, we have scheduled a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine on Monday, July 29th. We will all meet at the Belgrade Community Center For all Seasons at 7 am for continental breakfast and depart for the coast around 7:30 am. We are expecting to return between 5:30 pm & 6:00 pm.

For all you walkers out there, we will be starting our Weekly Golf Course Walk in July, on Fridays at 6 pm. We walk on paved trails at the Belgrade Golf Course while we enjoy good conversation. Join US!!

In August, as we approach fall, we must begin to think about what kind of activities we would like our children to participate in. The After School Education Program may be just the program for you! The program runs during the school year Tuesday through Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. The kids are dropped off directly in front of our wonderful center. We allow time for unwinding then we hit the books for homework with tutors. After homework time is complete, we offer sports clinics, wild life seminars, and craft time. Friday is always free time. By Friday, the kids need free time. The fee is $5.00 a day per child. Sign up will begin on August 12th, 2002.

If you have any questions about our program or facility please call us at 495-3481

Thank you to the many volunteers that contribute their time to our Center. You are great.

BELGRADE PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS

The Library is open Tuesday 12 to 7 pm and Thursday 10 am to 7 pm. Children’s Story Hour is every Thursday at 10 am. For information call 495-3508.

The Belgrade Public Library catalog is now available on the web. To view the catalogs from any computer with internet access, type in the library URL Http://www.librarycom.com/opac and in the space beside Library Name type Belgrade Public Library. Then select the box beside Access Library as Guest. Click on the Login button. Select the Search tab and you may search the library catalog by keyword, title, author or subject. Adding to the catalog is an on-going project and we are looking for volunteers to help with simple data entry. Please call the library (495-3508) for more information.

Summer is a great time for reading. Our new fictions includes “Shelters of Stone” by Jean Auel, “Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones” by RA Salvatore, and “Midnight Runner” by Jack Higgins. “Playing by the Rules” by Arnold Palmer, “Martha, Inc.” by Christopher Byron, and “Lucky Man” by Michael J. Fox have been added to the non-fiction collection. Please, ask to see the list of new books when you visit the library.

Registration for the Summer Reading Program will begin Thurs. June 20th at 10 am. Our theme is “Fishing for a good Book @ Belgrade Public Library”. Children who read, or are read to, 10 or more books borrowed from the library will receive a free book when the program ends Aug 15th. The first 40 children to register for the summer reading program will receive a ticket to the Portland Sea Dogs Game.

TOWN MANAGER TALKS ABOUT REVALUATION FOR BELGRADE

This month I would like to begin by talking about the property revaluation for which your municipal officers will be going out to bid late this summer. At this time, the Town of Belgrade is being assessed according to 1989 market values. This means that when a new house is built or an addition is added to an existing home, this structure is priced according to these values. Thus, according to current market values, the Town of Belgrade is underassessed.

We have had many questions about quarterly reviews which take place each year. It is a mistaken conception that we actually revalue one-quarter of the town each year-this does not happen. It would be illegal to value separate areas of our community using different market values. Every year, our assessor’s agents inspect all permitted construction, In addition, they review one-quarter of the town to look at improvements or changes which represent an increase or decrease in value to our tax base. These changes, re priced according to 1989 values.

Because the Town of Belgrade is underassessed, our declared certified ratio will not be at 100% this year. This Declared Certified Ratio is a direct finding determined through a calculation derived from the fact that the Town of Belgrade is under assessed according to a market study conducted by the Property Tax division of the Maine Revenue Service. The developed parcel ratio last determined by Maine Revenue Services is 89%. We have the ability to declare a certified ratio that is within 10 percent of the ratio provided by the state. This year, we will be using 95% for our certification. The most direct effect that this will have on most taxpayers is that the homestead exemption for each homeowner will be lowered by the difference between 100% and the percent which is certified. Because our system rounds up to the nearest hundred, your homestead exemption will be $6,700 and your veterans exemption will be $4,800. Tree growth reimbursements will also be affected the same way.

It is our plan to go out to bid for a full revaluation early this summer. We will have the results of this process at budget time. This will provide us with the financial numbers which we will bring to you for final approval at our March, 2003 Town Meeting.

On another note, I would like you all to be aware of the right-of-way of the road on which you live. We have been running into many problems with trees and vegetation when it is time to do the preparatory work necessary to upgrade our roads. Please remember that the work that needs to be done on the side of the road is necessary to protect the integrity of the traveled way and to provide safety and visibility for motor vehicle operators. Most roads in Belgrade are “three rod roads”. A rod measures 16.5 feet. So, the total width of these roads is 49.75 feet. A good way to judge the area you should avoid is to measure 25 feet from the center of the road. You will be safe using this number.

Finally, I want to thank James Minot for all the years he dedicated to Animal Control in the Town of Belgrade. James, we appreciate all your hard work!!!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PROTECT BELGRADE LAKES

Invasive plants like milfoil are an immediate threat to McGrath (Ellis) Pond, Salmon Lake, Great and Long Ponds, and Snow Pond/Messalonskee Lake. Belgrade’s lake associations and the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance are working hard to protect the lakes, but we need volunteer help to do it. We believe no lake is protected unless all lakes are protected. That means active, informed volunteers are needed on each lake this summer. If you love the lakes, please join with us by volunteering a little of your time in one of these two programs:

Our Courtesy boat Inspector Program will use volunteers to keep bad plants from getting into our waters. Courtesy Inspectors receive training and supplies which enable them to teach boaters how to keep from making an unintended mistake. Working on the Boat Ramps is interesting, important and fun. To cover all the public ramps in our area (6) we need lots of help. Please consider donating some time to your favorite lakes, because only those who use the lakes can protect the lakes they use. Courtesy Boat Inspector Training: June 1, June 15, June 29, July 13, (as needed thereafter) at the North Belgrade Community Center on Route 8 from 10 am until noon.

The Plant Patrol will teach volunteers how to identify the bad plants in the shallows of their favorite lake. This is a vital part of keeping infestations from getting a toe hold.

And that’s a key thing, because once the plants are established, it has proven impossible to get them out, and it’s very costly to mow a lake! ($1,000 per acre per year is what it cost to “harvest” invasives so boats can pass). Plant Patrol workshops: 9 am Tues July 9 and 9 am on Sat August 17. Both Workshops will be held at the North Belgrade Community Center on Rt 8. All workshops are free, but it would help us if volunteers call 495-3600 to register in advance. Best wishes to everyone for a safe and happy summer from the members of the Belgrade Regional conservation Alliance (BRCA), the Belgrade Lakes Association, the Salmon/McGrath Lake Association, and the Snow Pond/Messalonskee Lake Association.

PLEASE REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WORKSHOPS CALL 207 495-3600 FOR MORE INFORMATION

NEWSPAPER RECYCLERS: WE NEED YOUR HELP

When dropping off newspapers at the transfer station to be recycled, please recycle ONLY clean newspapers or circulars that come with the newspapers. Please stack flat newspapers and bundle in paper bags or tie with a string. Place in the newspaper recycling bins in the first trailer at the transfer station.

• Personal or junk mail (take to the paper/cardboard waste recycling area)
• Household paper trash or cardboard (take to the paper/cardboard waste recycling area)
• Magazines (there is a separate bin for magazines)
• Plastic
• Refuse

Thank you !!! Scouts, parents & leaders of Boy Scout Troop 453

HELLO FROM THE BELGRADE PLANNING BOARD

Updates on a few items.

First, our procedure. If you are preparing to add on to an existing structure or build new, you should consult the Code Enforcement Officer, Gary Fuller, to find out which permits you need to obtain. Should you need to come to the planning board, Gary will inform you and put you on our schedule. We meet the 1st and third Thursday of each month at 7 :p.m. in the Town Office. In order to be placed upon our agenda, you need to have your permit to Gary Fuller no later than the Thursday before our meeting (1 week). Even if you do not have a permit pending, you may attend our meetings.

Secondly, our Commercial Development Review Ordinance which was approved on March 2, 2001 and amended by referendum on November 6, 2001. The purpose of this ordinance is to accomplish the objectives outlined in the Town of Belgrade Comprehensive Plan from 1998 which established a procedure to review new proposals to use our develop land and building for “commercial, industrial, office, community and service used, municipal, institutional, utility, and recreational uses”. The idea behind the ordinance is to establish reasonable and fair standards that mitigate potential nuisances associated with the development from having a negative impact upon the community. .

Third and finally, the Land Use Ordinance Control Steering Committee and KVCOG are working to develop a new ordinance. Originally, it was my understanding that this would be a phosphorous control ordinance that would avoid zoning, but it seems the shift has been made to create an ordinance that creates different districts (zones) as reflected by the Comprehensive Plan Map. The emphasis is to have different standards within these zones for various purposes. The districts or Zones would be as follows: Rural Residential District, Village district, Natural Resource Conservation District and Commercial development district. One other phase of the new ordinance would be the consolidation of many of the existing ordinance, which is one of the planning board’s goals. They are seeking input from the citizens of Belgrade and I suggest that you attend one or more of these meetings. As we consider adding more regulations, we need to study the impact of enforcement cost and how far we want to regulate the use of an individual’s property. Please be involved and give your opinion.

Best regards,
Bert Languet, Chair of Planning Board

FLOWER DONATIONS ARE NEEDED!!!

THE COMMUNITY BLOOMS GARDENING CREW AT THE REC CENTER HAS DUG UP 900 SQUARE FEET OF FLOWERBEDS AND ARE PLANTING THEM WITH PERENNIALS DONATED FROM LOCAL GARDENS, ADDING TO WHAT VOLUNTEERS PUT IN LAST YEAR. SO FAR WE HAVE PLANTED FIVE OF THE SEVEN BEDS WITH ABOUT 220 INDIVIDUAL PLANTS, AND WE HAVE ENOUGH PERENNIALS TO FINISH. TO PERK UP THE COLOR, WE WOULD LIKE TO INCORPORATE SOME ANNUALS, IF FOLKS ARE WILLING TO DONATE SOME. PLEASE CALL MOLLY DUREN AT 495-2301 OR SUE GAWLER AT 495-2911 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP.

VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED!!! 1 MEMBER FOR THE PLANNING BOARD AND 1 MEMBER FOR THE BOARD OF PARKS AND RECREATION

THE BELGRADE PUBLIC LIBRARY IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SUMMER. PLEASE CONTACT THE LIBRARY AT 495-3508.

TOWN OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MAY 25TH, 26TH AND 27TH IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY. THE OFFICE WILL REOPEN ON MAY 28TH AT 8 AM

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 (Mary) may have the information ready for the Selectpersons in a timely manner.
Thank you

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

Plumbing Inspector, Gary Fuller, Code Enforcement Officer, Gary Fuller is here on Thursday evenings from 5 -7 P.M.

NOTICE: THE TOWN WILL BE OUT AND ABOUT TAKING PICTURES OF HOMES OR BUILDINGS THAT WERE OMITTED FROM A QUARTERLY REVIEW LAST YEAR

CALANDER OF EVENTS