HARPSWELL
The town continues to investigate challenges to new federal flood maps.
Selectmen tonight will continue a workshop regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s map changes and the use of a contingency account to meet any unforseen needs.
Problem areas include the eastern side of Mackerel Cove, which has several buildings that are likely to be listed as being in a flood zone; the northern end of Bailey Island, to the southwest of the cribstone bridge, which will also have houses and businesses added to the flood zone; and the southwestern shore of Orr’s Island north of the cribstone bridge, where a number of valuable properties would be added to the flood zone.
The total cost to evaluate all these areas and prepare a municipal appeal to the new FEMA flood map is $5,000. The consultant, Bob Gerber, of Ransom Consulting, said that the cost of new flood premiums per house or business would likely be $5,000 if the new maps stand.
In other business tonight, officials will consider approving installation of an ATM at Town Hall.
Some officials have expressed doubts about the ATM’s placement because of the possibility of vandalism or burglary, as well as fees charged by banks for out-ofnetwork customers.
The town administrator’s memos point out that, because the town now accepts debit cards, the need for an ATM machine to obtain cash may be unnecessary.
Also on the docket tonight is a request to approve an agreement for the use of voting equipment, and to use recreation special revenue funds for Trufant-Summerton’s repairs, which are normally not covered by Harpswell.
The board will consider whether or not to endorse the Route 24 Corridor Plan at the meeting.
It will accept the Normandeau Associates’ Proposal for the identification of four streams that may lie within the Shoreland Zoning area.
It will consider awards and contracts for the Capital Road Project and the Bethel Point Culvert.
At 7 p.m., there will be a public hearing about General Assistance limits.
The select board will also execute documents for sale of a portion of Map 3, Lot 73, consider the Harpswell Conservation Commission’s Mission Statement, and hold the Maine Municipal Association’s Annual Election.
After a period of public comment, the board will adjourn into executive session to consider the acquisition of two properties.
The selectboard meets at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
ghamilton@timesrecord.com
Harpswell selectboard
WHAT: regular meeting
WHEN: 6 p.m. tonight
WHERE: Town Hall, Mountain
Road
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