By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Although Robbie Baker has yet to experience a serious problem with the length of docks at Salmon Point Campground, he wants to be proactive.

Bridgton’s code enforcement officer requested selectmen to limit lakeside sites to docks of 40-feet in length and no slips or “T” or “L” shape be allowed due to the narrow spaces between sites.

Docks currently in place would be grandfathered.

“I haven’t had complaints so far, but there is nothing in the regulations (Rules and Regulations of Salmon Point Campground) about length,” Baker told selectmen Tuesday night.

With the average pontoon boat being between 24 and 28 feet, Baker felt 40 feet was an appropriate length for docks.

To put 40 feet in perspective, Selectman Bob McHatton looked at the ceiling tiles in the municipal complex lower level meeting room and figured the dock would be about the width of their meeting space.

Selectman Paul Hoyt, who recused himself from a vote because he has a campsite at Salmon Point, suggested that the board also include language that once a site changes users, the next tenant loses the “grandfathered” status and must follow the new 40-foot guideline.

Selectmen approved the 40-foot maximum length, and added that if an existing “T” or “L” interfered with a neighboring dock, those extensions would need to be removed.

In other selectmen’s business:

Demolition scheduled — Just as CEO Baker was ready to ask selectmen to start the procedure to take action on a dangerous building located at 267 Main Street (the old Adam’s Bakery location), the property owner (Macdonald Properties, L.P.) informed him the structure will be razed next Wednesday.

The town has the vacant building assessed at $88,148.

On the matter of dangerous buildings, Selectman King feels the town should take a closer look at the old Bridgton Memorial School.

Talks between the town and SAD 61 have bogged down regarding the future of the structure, which is currently vacant. SAD 61 has kept its options open regarding the school building until it clarifies how to address overcrowding in other district facilities.

The picture is a little clearer since the “no” vote on renovation/construction at Crooked River School in Casco. SAD 61 will install a portable at Songo Locks as a temporary solution to overcrowding there. The district will revisit the Crooked River project soon.

Selectman will have code officer Robbie Baker look into whether Bridgton Memorial can be designated as a dangerous building.

Quick takes — To date, 16 applications have been received for the full-time fire chief position. The filing deadline is Aug. 19.

• There were 14 applicants for the Public Safety Administrative Assistant position. Interviews began last Thursday, Aug. 4.
• Paving continues around town with Smith Avenue ground and paved; Highland Pines and Bramble (shim and overlay) being next on the schedule.
• The water fountain currently located in the court lobby is restricted by the scanning machine, and will be relocated to the front of the lobby, making the fountain more accessible to the public.
• Residents will soon be able to recycle old household paint, stain and varnish, regardless of age. Town officials met with John Hurd, a representative of Paint Care, to set up recycling at the Transfer Station.

The program is paid for by paint manufacturers, and free to citizens who use the Transfer Station.