It's come to my attention...

(Wow! I haven't had the chance to use this thread topic in over a year. )

It's come to my attention that the Town of Clinton has decided to attempt the acquisition of a couple of "entities" here that don't fall under their jurisdiction. They include the Clinton Water and Sewer District which falls under the jurisdiction of the State and the Brown Memorial Library which is a member and donation supported entity.

Now I can understand the want for the CWSD. It's a money-making business. We-e-e-l-l-l, sort of. The town wants control of that. They want the employees to answer to them. Why? They already answer to a more powerful entity than the Town. The standards that they are held to are very high. The water quality and sewerage treatment meets or exceeds expected standards. What is the point of taking on more financial responsibility for the Town, when we can barely afford the ones we have now? I would think they'd be satisfied to be able to deal with those before picking up anymore. Seems we still need a Town Garage. The previous option appears to be............gone.

The Brown Memorial Library. Beautiful old building. Magnificent displays of antiquities on the inside. I remember going there as a child and spending hours just rummaging through the books, looking for my favorite topics to read. Sci-fi and horror were my books of choice. (Hey, I was a kid. ) Now it seems the Town wants to take control of that, as well. I...just...don't...get it. I have to question the motives behind that move. What would the Town possibly gain by taking control of the Library? Are they looking to take control of the untold wealth that must come from overdue book charges?

I am pleased to see that someone is finally going into the old "Mary's Place" building. How long has that property sat empty out of how many years? Now a fitness center is moving into the building. Good choice of business ventures. Many people in this town go to fitness centers that are out of town. Now..........they won't have to. Nice to see the tax base reinforced a little. I also understand that an offer was put before the Council for consideration. If the Town would be willing to supply the equipment for the new business, they were willing to offer free memberships for residents. This request was, of course, denied. I'm curious as to whether the "freebies" would have had a time limit on them. Any wise business would offer six months to a year. After that, those who choose to stay on pay a monthly or yearly fee. Plenty of parking. Plenty of room inside. Located on the main road in and out of Town. Sounds like a recipe for success. Huh...a business venture worth promoting and investing in. I'd have said yes.

These are of course, only my opinions. If anyone has any they would like to add to the conversation, the podium is yours.

While the issue concerning the water district is unknown to me and I read the posts with interest: I welcome the fitness center, but the library commentary is puzzling to me. During a selectman meeting I inquired and was answered concerning the 'takeover' of the library. It seems that if anyone is alarmed about the town assuming responsibility of the library they should first get their facts straight. Years ago the trustees yielded responsibility and monies to the town. What has been happening recently is that the trustees are trying to back pedal and enlist sympathy to undo the former deed. During the selectmen meeting it was agreed that both the town and trustees would work 'together' to continue to provide services in the spirit that the town was given the library originally. Within this conversation it was noted that the trustees still have some monies accessible to them to make petty cash purchases, but this was not a sticking point. The alarmists rang the bell of opportunity stating that the town was taking over the library when in truth it is a past achievement of a former board of selectmen and trustees. The selectmen did state that they have no interest in 'running' the library but were acting in the manner in which it is stated in the former agreement between town selectmen and the trustees. It is well documented when this event took place and though some townspeople refuse to believe that this happened it is in black and white and duly recorded.

On another note, since the town is going to have a fitness center, I wonder how long it will take to provide a pharmacy, bank and other conveniences to the town? A projected development plan was presented and rejected by local businesses that had included many modern coveniences to the local citizenry. Perhaps things are a'changing? While the drive to Waterville or other points is enjoyable, viewing the landscape, it would encourage other people to move to the area if there were slightly more conveniences:not to mention the ability to purchase prescriptions, sundries and bank locally.

Thank you for your input and research on the Library subject, granny. I knew that if we threw the question out there, someone "in the know" would respond with some facts.

I agree with the need for more commerce in town. The businesses that shout the loudest about an attempt to bring more to town are the ones that don't want competition. To me, competition is a necessary evil in order to keep the town growing. With all the land that sits vacant near I-95, there is a good potential for growth. We've entered into this FirstPark deal. Why not look into creating one of our own? We should be looking into creating a long-term investment and tax income area of our own instead of helping another area gain businesses for a short term payback.

These are my own opinions. I welcome others.

I agree that increasing commerce is a good idea. The land out at I95 was at one time ready for development, but the process of approving the project was so lengthy that the developer left. Certainly that does need to be updated so that when an interested party is ready to step in and provide services the planning board and others are ready to help them through the process as quickly as possible. Another area that stands out for development is the old woolen mill site. Even a weekend farmer's market, flea market or eventually local artisans in small shops would draw people to the area. I can see that area with small shops to the front and an eatery to the back with a beautiful view of the river, can you hear the river flowing by while enjoying a light lunch under the umbrella of a proprietor's eatery?

http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/4923422.html

WOW!!!! Clinton has made the papers again. What's next? Metal detectors?!?! Strip searches?!?! How about a breath-alizer test before being allowed to enter the building?

It's come to my attention that our esteemed Town Manager has found it necessary to have a uniformed, armed Police Officer at the Town meetings now. Holy cow!!! Might be a wise move though. Those Librarians can pre-e-e-tty unruley. You know, what with their loaded "books" and all.

Did our Board of Selectmen learn nothing from the uproar that was caused by one of it's own members at that time showing up "in uniform" due to running late? The people made it clear then that they found it to be intimidating. So, let's go one step further and put an officer there to protect the "people". From whom? Themselves? Raejean Dorr is right. The people of the Town shouldn't be made to feel like they're criminals or afraid to bring up a "touchy" subject. That's why they're called "Town" meetings. The people of the Town already feel as if most of what they have to say falls on deaf ears. God knows the votes don't seem to matter. Maybe if the Selectmen (who were voted into those positions "by the people") and the Town Manager (who is being payed "by the people", though not one they had a say in the hiring of ) would listen to what "the people" were saying, there wouldn't be uproars. It's called DISCUSSION, folks. Didn't we already go through this with another group of Selectmen about ten or so years ago? I do believe that's when the Library became a "department" of the Town, wasn't it? Huh...

While we're on that subject, let's talk about the issues that have arisen because of that "move". Maybe the Board and the Town Manager should listen to the suggestions and revisit the charter that was drawn up at that time. If there is a board of Trustees for the Library, exactly what good are they if they have to go through the Selectmen to get the money to make necessary improvements and to add to the content of the Library? How many long-time members of that board of trustees have left because of that move? Now I'm not saying that the current trustees aren't capable of doing the job they were entrusted to do. Not by any means. But, CAN they do the job they were entrusted to do if every move has to be approved by the Selectmen? If there is supposed to be a specific amount "dedicated" each year to the Library Trustees to make improvements to the Library, why should they have to submit "proposals" to the Selectmen for approval? Doesn't that just sort of negate the purpose of the Trustees? Should the Trustees be required to basically "beg" for the money that, by all rights, belongs to them to use as they see fit for the Library? What happened to the original "deed" to the Library written by Mr. Brown himself? What does that say is to be done with the Library? Does it mention anywhere that the Town has the right to "take it over" at any point in time or does it state that it is to be put into the hands of the "Trustees"? No need to answer that question really. I have a copy of the original on it's way to me anyhow. We can let Mr. Brown "speak for himself" on the issue. As for the charter now in place, how much control does that give the "Town" (being the Board of Selectmen and the Manager)? Who decides what happens to donations and bequeaths given to the Library? If they are added to the trust already in place and the Library is only allowed a percentage of the "interest", there must a continuous rise in the value of the trust. That would mean that the Board of Trustees should have more at their disposal every year. If the Library is now a "department" of the Town, the financial "books" must be available to anyone who requests them. Isn't that the latest issue? Questions about the "book-keeping" for the trust? Why argue about it meeting after meeting? Produce the proof and prove everyone wrong. If that's doable. You can even have the "Officer-On-Duty" distribute them to the Townspeople present. That should keep them from trying to take more than one copy.

(Oh and by the way, Mr. Rhodes, this isn't Hallowell and it sure isn't Missouri. )

It would seem that the Town has found a way to possibly get the two "new" cruisers that are needed to provide transportation for our, it seems, growing Police Department. We-e-l-l-l, perhaps I shouldn't say the "Town" has found a way.

It's come to my attention that it has been suggested by a member of our Board of Selectman that the money taken in from the sale (or resale) of the recently auctioned properties from the "tax non-payment" seizure be used to acquire the cruisers. I suppose we really do need them considering that our HUGE town now has not only three full-time officers but nine, count them, nine part-time officers, as well. I had no idea that our residents were that unruly that we needed a PD that large. Huh... You have to wonder how we compare with other town as far as coverage "per capita". Do the cows in town count, as well?

It's sad to think that some of the properties during the recent seizure belonged to persons who were suffering hardships and have been for quite some time. I would think that it would make more sense to find out if some of these people (some long-time residents, no less) had been made aware of the Homestead Act for the State. Maybe even offer to help them file for protection due to poverty. Some of these people have lived in this town all their lives and have never truly recovered from the closure of the old Ski-land Woolen Mill. Growing up I can can remember that, no matter what, if I couldn't find a job anywhere else there was always that. Some of the residents of this town knew nothing else but the Mill. They were too old to be looking outside of the town for anything else and besides, what could they show for "work history"? Long time job holding yes, but doing what? Kind of hard to look for work in the same field when all the same type businesses in the area were also closing. It's a lot like the paper production business in Maine, pretty much................gone.

More the pity is the fact that the land that the old Mill once stood on is still vacant. Oh some suggestions have been made as to what could be done with it, but they've all been shot down by the Board. A Farmer's/Flea Market was suggested, but no. Not quite good enough. The building of a Senior Living Facility has been suggested. What a way to help some of the residents whose homes have been taken from them for non-payment of taxes. But again, no. Instead of putting something there that might help bring the Town some financial stability, let's put in a boat landing and a gazebo. Be realistic. When the river goes down after the spring run-off has abated, the river is what, maybe a foot deep after the bend? That's the way to go. Something else for the tax-payers money to help maintain. When are the hands of the Planning Board going to be untied and allowed to find businesses to fill this most prime piece of property that sits on one of the most prominent sites in the Town? I mean a park would be nice, sure. But, with the financial situation the way it is for us right now, wouldn't a business situated there make more sense? If the Board really wants to offer something to "beautify" the Town, then go through with the foreclosure and condemning of the eyesore that sits smack in the middle of it instead of giving the continuous "allowances" of time to bring it up to code. Enough is enough already. How long is THAT going to be allowed to go on? I mean come on, the Fire Department has even gone so far as to say that they couldn't possibly attempt a rescue on the second story if needed due to the inaccessibility of the halls of the house. If nothing else, at least replace the lovely green tarps covering the roof. I understand they can be purchased fairly cheaply at Marden's. Nice way to entice businesses to come to town and to help promote the ones that are already there. It's a good thing that the present ones can depend on the townspeople for their survival. I doubt anyone coming from out of town would be too impressed with the appearance of our Downtown area.

I believe the Board would be more well taken if the members would refrain from calling our concerned citizens "stupid" and telling them to leave meetings simply because they don't approve of the actions of the Board. That's our place to do so. We put them there and yet they continue to make decisions that affect the future of the town without allowing for public comment on their decisions. I believe our esteemed Town Manager would be more well taken if HE would refrain from sitting with his back to the concerned citizens in attendance. I say "turn around and face the people who are footing your bill. With your past work history, most of which was brought to light by an article in the Morning Sentinel the day AFTER you were hired, you may feel very comfortable being in the position that you are. But, there is such a thing as a 'recall' for the Board members. You may not find yourself with such an obedient, spineless, and submissive group as you have now. I promise you that even with the 'intimidation factor' of the armed Police Officer in attendance at each meeting, the people of this town will STILL continue to speak their minds. You haven't managed to silence the people. You've only managed to bring them closer together in other ways and other places. People who never used to talk to each other now are."

Two of the more controversial members of the Board are soon to be done with their terms on the Board. I understand that one of them has already decided not to run again. The other is still up in the air about his decision. There are some waiting in the wings, papers in hand, to run for the two seats soon to be up for grabs. How much "heat" can you stand on where you stand? Hopefully the people of the Town will remember some of the events and "displays" that have taken place over the last two years and do what is right for the Town when they vote. (Hopefully there won't be more votes than voters this time around. )

This is, of course, only my personal opinions. I welcome others to give theirs.