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Thursday, June 14, 2001
Council delays participation in regional approach By DOUG HARLOW, Staff Writer Copyright © 2001 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. | ||
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FAIRFIELD — Town councilors postponed action Wednesday night on the town's participation in a proposed regional approach to economic development. It was not so much the jitters or the cost of the planned 16-member Central Kennebec Valley Growth Council, Councilor Philip Roy said, explaining it was more the lack of solid data on what to expect. In tabling the motion to join the Growth Council, Roy said more discussion is needed at a workshop on the subject. "I've got about an hour's worth of questions," Roy told fellow council members. "We can have a workshop for further discussion and put it on the agenda for our next meeting." The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce first proposed the idea of a regional collaboration this year, comparing the group to Richard Kelso's Mid-State Economic Development Corp., which died for lack of funding more than two years ago. Papers have been filed with the state to incorporate the Growth Council as a nonprofit organization using public and private funds. The Winslow Town Council on Monday approved the first of two required readings on the measure for that town's inclusion in the group. Oakland town officials tabled the idea for more information at a previous meeting and were scheduled to take up the matter again Wednesday night. Under the plan for regional cooperation, one municipal leader and one business leader from each town will sit on the panel, along with four non-municipal representatives. Eight more people are to be appointed by the Chamber of Commerce from among the business, banking, university and hospital communities. Fairfield resident Donald Giroux expressed his concern before the council's move to postpone a vote here Wednesday night. "Oakland is holding off on this," Giroux said. "And the eight members to be appointed will come from Waterville — you can be sure of that." Fairfield and Oakland would contribute $14,138 and $11,200, respectively, under the plan. Winslow's share would be $16,400 and Waterville would pay about $20,000 to participate. Private donations would match the $76,084 sought from municipalities. A $10,000 grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development completes the funding. If approved, Growth Council headquarters would be in the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments building in Fairfield. In asking to postpone action Wednesday night, Roy assured the rest of the council that he does not oppose the measure. The council agreed 3-2 to discuss the plan at a later date. Councilors Franklin Bouchard and William Bois voted in the minority. No date has been set for the workshop. To reach Doug Harlow Phone: 861-9244 dharlow@centralmaine.com
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