Newport set to update comprehensive plan

NEWPORT – Selectmen agreed Wednesday night to hire Dean Bennett of Bradley as the town’s technical assistant during its comprehensive plan update. Newport’s current plan is 12 years old, two years past what the state recommends.

But more importantly, town officials said, it is out of date for what is really happening in town.

Town Manager James Ricker said a good example is the lack of major development on the Route 7 corridor, which is where the current plan would direct growth.

“Instead, we know the development has happened all along Route 2,” Ricker said. “We also now know where industrial growth will [occur].”

The town’s thriving industrial park didn’t even exist when the first plan was created.

Bennett is a private consultant who previously worked for Eastern Maine Development Corp., based in Bangor. His bid for the project was $15,000, a full $5,000 less than EMDC, but the real selling point for the selectmen was that Bennett said the project could be completed by March 2008.

EMDC said its deadline was March 2009.

Chairman Al Worden said getting the project done in a single year would be a big advantage in attracting volunteers to serve on the planning committee.

Ricker explained that the town’s committee would come up with ideas and Bennett would provide facts and statistics.

Among the concerns the committee will address is how to mesh growth plans with the water and sewer districts. The committee also will look at plans for a new fire station, residential growth, a salt and sand shed, and expanded recreational needs.

“We have a manageable … board,” Ricker said, “as well as a workable existing plan to build on.”

Committee members are Theresa Bickford, Alan Campbell, Kelley Carter, Debbie Ferrell, Frank Harding Jr., Dana Hartford and Evelyn Hickey. Town representatives on the committee include Ricker, CEO and Fire Chief Fred Hickey, Police Chief Leonard Macdaid, Public Works Director Larry Merrithew and transfer station Superintendent Adam Noyes.

The selectmen also approved a liquor license renewal for Anglers Restaurant, approved the renewal of 26 victualers’ licenses and five special amusement permits for various town businesses.

In other action, the board:

. Agreed that if paving for Palmer Road can be held to $60,000, the rest of the $125,000 roads budget can be spent on fixing gravel and dirt roads.

. Approved an agreement with A.E. Robinson for next year’s fuel needs, with a price cap based on Wednesday’s fuel prices, which were $2.34 for home heating fuel and $2.68 for diesel. The agreement also includes a protection clause that if prices should drop, the town will pay the lower price.

. Approved placing construction of a new roof for the town office out to bid. The existing roof is only 11 years old, Ricker explained, but there is no record of where the shingles were purchased; therefore, the town cannot contact the manufacturer for any warranty.

. Announced that a major groundbreaking ceremony for the Newport Cultural Center will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5, on Main Street.