Gary M Baber

The Acworth Planning Board meeting included discussions and updates on the Master Plan, with a focus on merging additional questions and shortening the introduction. A hearing was held and a plan was approved for the Alston Barrett Revocable Trust Lot Line Adjustment/Annexation. The board discussed bringing a purchased lot into compliance and considered driveway permit applications, approving one contingent on meeting application descriptions and delaying another until corrective action is completed. The board also reviewed a second draft of Table 1 for the CIP, focusing on road maintenance and repairs, and discussed updating the fee schedule.

The Acworth Selectmen's meeting included discussions on highway department matters, such as winter snow removal, parking ordinance, and vehicle maintenance. The board adopted and signed the winter parking ordinance. There was also discussion on owners doing maintenance on Class V roads, which was tabled. The board also discussed warrant articles and the budget committee.

The meeting included a detailed explanation of the school budget, highlighting provisions required to accommodate remote learning during the Covid pandemic. Savings were applied against the 2020 fall tax rate. The projected budget focuses on avoiding excessive tax rate increases, with competitive teaching staff pay rates. There was a discussion about the increasing school portion of Acworth's tax rate, with awareness of the pressure on taxpayers during budget development.

The meeting included discussions and decisions regarding a lot line adjustment for Diane Clemons, including waiving the second hearing and associated fees due to the town's involvement. Updates were provided on discussions about transferring beehives to the town, with the board open to a narrow exception for a subdivision to acquire a significant cultural resource pending a limited survey. The board also discussed private culvert installations and driveway permit requirements, with plans for further review at a subsequent meeting. Additionally, there was a report on the approval of the County Delegation for county community power and an inquiry about subdivision requests and frontage definitions.

The public hearing was held for the Small Roads Initiative Team (SRIT) to discuss the reclassification of several roads to Class VI. The presentation explained the method the team used to determine which roads to reclassify. Concerns were raised regarding maintenance, insurance impacts, legality, cost calculations, FEMA reimbursement, hardships for residents, subdivision capabilities, tax revenue, and historical references. Recommendations included delaying or stopping the effort, engaging earlier in the process, and improving communication. The project team will compile and publish feedback and questions received.