Friendly and peaceful gathering
by Jane B. Greenwood
BROWNINGTON — Brownington Town Meeting was once again a friendly and peaceful two hours spent with about a hundred neighbors in the Brownington Center School gymnasium. Reelected moderator Eileen Baker led the town through the 19 articles of the Warning with her usual efficiency and a bit of wit tossed in here and there. She did not need to use a microphone to be heard!
Marilyn Martinez was elected for a three-year select board position, winning over Byron Burdick 58 to 15. Byron later was voted to a one year term as auditor. He also agreed to serve on the planning commission for a three-year term. Pat Cooper was elected for a one-year term on the planning commission.
Article 6 inspired the most discussion of the morning: “shall the voters authorize the select board to purchase a 48.8 acre, more or less, parcel of land currently utilized by the town for gravel, from David and Marilyn Martinez for $70,000 which will be seller financed over a 5-year period at a rate of 3%”.
There were questions about the quality of the gravel and sand. Some wondered about buying property from a select board member. Many were impressed about what a good deal it is, gravel or no gravel. Jane Greenwood pointed out its potential for a town forest. The planning commission has as one of its goals, to create walking paths in the town. This acreage is bordered on two sides by the Branch Brook, a lovely place to walk. Mike Glodgett reminded folks that the town cemetery will be outgrowing its bounds before too long also. The purchase was approved by paper ballot 57 to 10.
It was agreed that the town appropriate $234,057.23 for general expenses. Voters also agreed to a highway budget of $556,426.11. Many people praised the road crew for keeping the Brownington roads in such good condition. A standing farewell was initiated by Geoff Falconer, the road foreman, to Sam Robb who is headed on a road trip to see the U.S.A. There was no article on the agenda about the Sheriff’s Department coverage, usually a contentious article. Instead, the select board included the $20,280 in general expenses along with fire protection ($25,647) and ambulance service ($36,425.58).
State Representative Ken Wells spoke quite enthusiastically at the end of the meeting. He seems to be happy with his job. There was a delicious lunch served by the Brownington School eighth grade class. The cost was only five dollars to help support its class trip to Washington, D.C. The eighth grade class also held a raffle at the end of the dessert table with some unusual prizes including gift cards to area businesses, maple syrup, cash, and motion lights.
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