On May 13 the Town of Long Island gathered at the community center for its 14th annual town meeting. Despite torrential rain and wind the meeting drew an excellent turnout, with 104 registered voters as well as many guests including Donna Damon, a Chebeague island resident and candidate for State Representative; John Simpson, a candidate for the Senate; Long Island school superintendent David Gaul; and Barbara Merrill, who is running for governor. Additionally, there were several Chebeague Islanders in attendance to witness how a town meeting is conducted in preparation for their island’s pending secession from Cumberland.
The meeting addressed 50 articles on a wide variety of topics and ran for nearly 5 hours. The recreation committee provided a very successful concession stand, selling hotdogs, pastries, and coffee.
Mark Greene was again elected moderator and Bob Jordan was elected deputy moderator. Michael Floyd was elected to a three-year term as selectman, joining Steve Train and Ruth Peterson. Floyd is taking the place of Tom MacVane, who is retiring after serving for three years. Melissa Brown was re-elected to the Long Island school board and will serve a three-year term.
Joe Oldfield presented the proposed town budget, which for several reasons is slightly greater than last year. He explained how the budget is determined, what factors caused the increase, and how the running of the school, public works, fire and rescue department and other organizations contribute to the annual budget. David Gaul presented the school budget, which has also increased, largely due to reduced state funding and the decision to return to two full-time teachers in the 2006-2007 school year. Both budgets passed.
A particularly hot issue at the meeting was the need for a new fire truck. Long Island replaced Engine 2 this year, and the fire department presented a slide show demonstrating the pressing need to replace Engine 1 as well. Engine 1 failed its safety test this year and is going to be decommissioned, leaving the volunteer fire department without a pump truck. The proposed new truck is much smaller than the new Engine 2, and will be able to access remote properties and traverse narrow dirt roads. The town voted in favor of $90,000 for the custom-made new truck, and requested that the fire department lay out a detailed comprehensive plan presenting the expected need for equipment in the coming years.
A driveway ordinance was presented but voted down. The Public Works department plans to rewrite the ordinance and bring it before the town again next year. A lengthy discussion addressed ATV use on the island, which along with golf carts is increasingly popular. The town voted to permit ATVs to drive on the roads, providing they have insurance and follow posted speed limits and other regulations. The town also voted to allow the drafting of an amendment to permit multi-family housing on the island.
A particularly high note of the meeting was the presence of several of Long Island’s young faces, welcomed home from both the military and college. Additionally, the town was very thankful for the new roof on the community center, which withstood the nasty weather. After the meeting concluded at 1pm, Long Islanders and guests gathered for a party at the home of Judy Paolini and Jim Thibeau.
Anna Rubin is an Island Institute Fellow in Casco Bay.