The Whazup News

09/18/2026

CARRABASSETT VALLEY BOARD TACKLES COBURN GORE BORDER CROSSING, PROPERTY TAXES AND REMOTE VOTING

By Sue Davis

CARRABASSETT VALLEY -- The CV Select Board dealt with several issues affecting town operations and residents at its September 14, 2026 meeting, including a request for remote voting by Board members, responding to the Legislature’s Property Tax Relief Task Force, and the condition of Route 27 and concerns about the future impact of expanded traffic from the Coburn Gore border crossing expansion,, Also discussed were a new payment processing system for fuel at the airport, speed limit at the AGC, and a proposed change to employee policy.

AIRPORT FUEL SYSTEM
Town Manager Garrett Corbin asked the Board to waive the town's usual $5,000 bid requirement so the town could purchase a new payment processing system for the airport fuel pumps. The existing credit card reader, purchased around 2017, is obsolete because it relies on dial-up service. Money for the replacement was approved at the 2025 Town Meeting and remains in the airport reserve account.

Tom Wallace obtained bids from the two companies specializing in the aviation and marine market. Carrabassett Valley's current provider, QT-Pod, submitted a bid of $21,398.30. Fuel Master, through a New Hampshire distributor, bid $32,130, including $9,685 for installation.
Wallace said he was confident he could install the QT-Pod system with some IT help for the internet connection and assistance with the heavier work. He estimated those costs at $415.30 more than the contingency included with the Fuel Master bid.

Karen Campbell asked about the ongoing cost. Wallace said the system carries a $1,195 annual web-based Siteminder Subscription fee.

Corbin noted that the Town share for runway construction is slightly under and that combined with the money already in the airport reserve, there should be enough funds available to purchase the QT-Pod system.

The Board approved the QT-Pod quote subject to confirmation that the money was fully available.

SPEED LIMIT AT AGC
The Board also revisited a citizen request to establish a 5-mph speed limit in the Anti-Gravity Center parking lot to improve pedestrian safety. Chair Bob Luce questioned whether a 5-mph limit could realistically be enforced. He noted that 15-mph limits are used at school properties around the State.

Reynolds pointed to the town's 5-mph speed limit at the transfer station, saying it is virtually impossible to maintain. Luce also observed that, except on digital speedometers, 5 mph does not even register on many vehicle speedometers.

For now, rather than adopting a new speed limit, Luce pointed to increased police presence in the AGC parking lot.

CLEARING BRUSH ALONG TOWN ROADS
Corbin asked the Board to approve requests for proposals for brush clearing and tree-canopy trimming along Old Huse Mill Road and Carriage Road.

Campbell, who drives a school bus, said Old Huse Mill Road needs attention at the Route 27 end because branches will soon be hitting the bus, particularly when snow weighs them down. She added that the cemetery end of the road is less critical this year because that section will not be plowed or regularly used during the winter.

Board members discussed the difference between equipment used for brush clearing and equipment needed for tree limbing and canopy work. Bushhogging could be used for brush, while chainsaws and lifts would be needed for work higher in the canopy. Luce also expressed concern about cutting or limbing trees on private property.

The Board agreed that the work should be divided into two separate bids — one for clearing brush on the ground and another for raising the tree canopy. There was some concern about waiting two weeks for the next Board meeting with winter approaching, but members agreed that separate bids were necessary. Corbin will bring two requests for proposals to the next SB meeting.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
The Select Board also approved sending a letter to the Maine Legislature's Property Tax Relief Task Force. Corbin said staff from the Maine Municipal Association had encouraged western Maine municipalities to submit comments as soon as possible, preferably before the task force's September 15, 2026 meeting. He prepared a draft letter for the Board.

One concern discussed was the increase in the County budget, which Corbin said has risen by more than 70% since 2023.

The task force is considering several approaches to property tax relief, including taxing residential property at a different rate from commercial property, which led to a discussion of short-term rentals. Education costs and the County jail were also discussed.

Luce said he believes the jail represents a particularly large portion of the County budget.

“It's gone from being a holding cell to longer term, and somehow it needs to be addressed where the cost is going to be, whether on the County level or the State level,” Luce said. Jay Reynolds added that health care for incarcerated people is a significant expense. Luce questioned if closing jails or returning them to their original holding-cell function could be possible approaches.

Corbin said there had been a proposal in 2006 for the State to take over County jails, but it did not move forward because there were many different views about how such a change should be handled.

Luce asked Corbin to determine the exact percentage of the County budget was represented by the jail. Corbin estimated it at between 20% and 30%, adding that when the police department is included, the two together approach 50%. He will bring the figures to a future Select Board meeting.

ROUTE 27 AND COBURN GORE BORDER CROSSING
The Board also approved sending a letter to communities along Route 27 and to the Franklin County commissioners seeking support for Federal assistance to address the potential impact of the Coburn Gore border crossing expansion. Corbin had prepared the letter after the Board had discussed the issue at its previous meeting.

Board members agreed that increased traffic — particularly commercial traffic, could create additional safety concerns on a highway that is already showing signs of stress. The town would like the Federal Government, through Maine's congressional delegation, to provide funding for highway reconstruction before expanding permitting at the Coburn Gore crossing, which is similar to permitting available in the Jackman area.

The Maine DOT has advised the town to begin collecting traffic data, but Board members noted that relying on five to 10 years of data collection could leave the area dealing with increased traffic, including the dangers and safety before needed highway improvements could be made.

The Board approved sending both letters.

BOARD REJECTS REMOTE VOTING
Corbin asked the Board to consider allowing members participating remotely to vote under certain circumstances. The issue arose after Board member Karen Campbell was ill at a previous meeting and participated by Zoom. She would have liked to have been able to vote while attending remotely.

Luce has been opposed to remote voting from the beginning. He believes the Select Board's role requires members to be physically present to serve the public. “Show up to do your job,” is Luce’s position.

The Board discussed whether remote voting might be useful in situations such as breaking a tie. Under the current policy, remote attendance only allows members to participate in discussion and express their opinions. They cannot vote. The proposed change was not approved.

PERSONNEL POLICY AMENDED
The Board unanimously approved a new section of the town's personnel policy dealing with employees taking public positions on County, State or Federal policy proposals while acting in their capacity as town employees.

Corbin proposed adding a ninth paragraph to the Conduct of Employees chapter, titled “Public Policy Positions.” Under the new provision, town employees may express their own opinions but must make clear that they are speaking personally. Otherwise, employees would need approval from the town manager, who in turn would need approval from the Select Board before speaking publicly about policy in their capacity as a town employee.

OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
The Board was reminded that the Airport Trailhead has officially been renamed the Valley Trailhead. New safety and directional signs are being installed on Campbell Field, Carriage and Huston Brook roads, as well as at trailheads. The town has completed its application for a runway reconstruction grant.

August attendance figures at the Outdoor Center showed 550 total guests and 301 vehicles, including 237 Maine vehicles and 64 from out of State. That compares with 419 guests and 282 vehicles in July, and 234 guests and 151 vehicles in June. The Maine Outdoor Film Festival at the OC drew approximately 40 people on September 5.

A boundary survey is underway on the parcel being considered for relocation of the propane tank, with an appraisal to follow.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & TOWN EVENTS
o September 15 – Town Office Complex Committee Meeting, 8am, Town Office
o September 16 – Recreation Committee Meeting, 4pm, Outdoor Center
o September 17 – Greens Committee Meeting, 3pm, Club House
o September 18-20 – 8th Annual Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge
o September 25 – Carrabassett Valley Trails Committee Meeting, 9am, Begin Room
o September 28 – Maine DECD regional business growth work session
o September 28 – Next Select Board meeting
o October 2-4 – Ride the Region Mountain Bike Event
o October 8 – Mountain Wellness Connect, 4:30-6:30pm, Outdoor Center
o October 9-11 – Annual Sugarloaf Homecoming and Upcountry Artists Showcase
o October 12 – Indigenous Peoples Day
o October 15 – School Committee Meeting, 5:30pm, Town Office
o October 29 – Route 27 Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Public Meeting, Evening Time TBD, Eustis Community Center

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

WHETHER OR NOT TO HOLD A SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL BOARD VACANCY ENDS IN TIE, IRONICALLY

By Claudia Diller

KINGFIELD, MAINE - Some would find it terribly ironic that the four-member Select Board failed to pass a motion to hold a special election to fill a recently vacated seat in order to avoid tied votes in the future. But that was the case at a regularly scheduled meeting held Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Other discussion concerned whether or not the town’s ordinance addresses issues with large retreats held at the Deer Farms Campground, and whether or not the Select Board endorses internally lit signs which the Planning Board is debating in a recently rewritten ordinance to be put before voters again at the 2027 annual Town Meeting.

Select Board members In attendance were: David Duval, Chair Morgan Dunham, Kim Jordan (voted in by the Baird as Vice Chair), Chris Rushton and Town Manager Leanna Targett. There was also a standing-room-only crowd of more than 30 people.

SHOULD THE TOWN CONTINUE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS WITH ONLY FOUR MEMBERS UNTIL 2027?
Because of a tied vote held at the meeting, the Select Board decided to continue to discuss their differences about whether or not the town should spend $1,500 to hold a special election in late November/early December of this year to fill a vacancy left by the sudden resignation of Chair Hunter Lander. The town faces continuing with a four-member board until the next regular election held at the Town Meeting in June, 2027.

Views by two of the four members describes the split on the board. Kim Jordan expressed her discomfort with moving forward with only four members because of the tie issue and in consideration of the many issues the town is facing today. There also happens to be candidate ready to run for the seat. Although Chris Rushton was concerned about the $1,500 cost of holding a special election, he voted for filling the position rather than waiting. David Duval and Morgan Dunham voted against the motion.

Town Manager Leanna Targett responded that she will put this on the agenda for the next Select Board meeting.

TOWN MANAGER AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DISAGREE, SENDING THE DEER FARM/LEGENDARIO ISSUE TO TOWN LAWYER
In a letter read to the Select Board, Tufts Pond resident Lance Dutson expressed concern about the level of noise and apparent trespassing on private property, among other issues, by members of the Legendarios, a nation-wide Christian men’s group with over 1 million members.

Dutson informed the board that gatherings of this group started last year. Though the gatherings, which are sponsored by the Massachusetts chapter of the Legiondarios, was an annoyance at that point, the gatherings have become more so with the increased size of this past August’s group to 700. The increased the volume of chanting and horns, music over a loudspeaker system late at night and into early morning hours, the sheer number of hikers, and the clearing of property and the building of trails including one proposed from Deer Farm to Mt. Abram were all of great concern to residents in the area.

Dutson’s research also indicates trespassing on nearby private property and the recent appearance of big excavator-type equipment from out of state. The groups arrive at midnight in tour buses, are dropped off at the foot of the Tufts Pond Road and wander blind folded up the road to Deer Farm Camps. There are also drones flying overhead, and sophisticated video recording of the gatherings in the areas for PR purposes, that can be found on their website.

According to their website, the organization plans to expand their Kingfield base which they call Patriot Valley, and is the reason why Dutson feels it is important for the town to explore the organization, what their intention is here in Kingfield, if permission has been granted for the current cutting of a field and trails, and if the proposed expansion is legal, etc. There is also concern for the ecology of both Tufts and Shiloh Ponds and the wildlife when encountered by up to 700 campers.

According to Dutson, the group gatherings are “illegal.” He maintains Deer Farm Camps never had permission from the state to hold gatherings of this size and that they are also breaking the recent Transient Overnight Recreational Developments (TORD) moratorium on the establishment of new campsites, and/or an increase in the number of allowable campers. Deer Farm originally had a license to accommodate 47 campsites, but that has lapsed, according to Dutson.

He concluded that he feels the town Select Board and Planning Board need to address the concerns he has expressed, and informed the Select Board that the Tufts Pond residents group has put together a web site for the public to review, with all of the research they have conducted at deerfarmkingfield.com

OPPOSING OPINIONS
TM Leanna Targett stated that she feels the gatherings are a “severe zoning and non-compliance” issue. In her opinion as Town Manager, the mass assembly is not in compliance under the 2026 TORD moratorium. She added that Deer Farm lost its grandfather status and legally abandoned its prior use status. And currently the town is under an absolute freeze - no expansion can be processed or is permitted.

In an opposing interpretation put forth by Code Enforcement Officer Ben Hitchcock, the campground does not qualify as a TORD under the moratorium’s framework. Hitchcock suspects the event exceeds the approved usage but lacks the original site plan to verify this. He added that his responsibility is to enforce the current ordinance as written, though there could be legitimate violations around the increased number of campers and the expansion issue, which if true would have required planning board approval.

Also, if the campground had ceased to operate as a campground for five years it would lose its license, but because the campground annnounced its closure in 2021 and was issued independent licenses in 2025 to accommodate the Legandario gatherings, it lies within the five-year limit of legally losing its status as a campground.

In terms of the TORD, Hitchcock continued, the question is, are the events distinct from the definition of regular campground use? That information and other details about the arrangement the Legendarios has established with Deer Farm Camps need to be researched by the town attorney.

Therefore, because the TM and CEO are in complete opposition with differing interpretations, and because the town may be liable by Deer Farm Camps and/or the Legendarios if either interpretation is incorrect, legal advice has become necessary. The attorney must determine whether or not the gathering violates the TORD moratorium or is an illegal expansion before the next event takes place in mid-October.

Kim Jordan felt uncomfortable because there was no awareness of the Legiondarios and the size of the gatherings by the townspeople or municipal offices and boards, and especially with the trespassing on private property if that is true.

Rushton felt uncomfortable with the group itself and some of the ceremonies they perform.

Dave Duval brought up the point that if there is a noise issue, the residents on Tufts Pond need to be in touch with the Sheriff’s department if there is no noise ordinance in town.

The Select Board voted to refer the matter to the town attorney.

WHETHER TO ALLOW INTERNALLY LIT SIGNS OR NOT WILL ONCE AGAIN BE PUT BEFORE VOTERS IN 2027
Because an ordinance passed by voters at the 2024/25 annual Town Meeting was found to be legally non-binding, a re-written draft ordinance was presented to the Select Board by the Planning Board, requesting their opinion. What the board is being asked to review are comparisons between the 2025 ordinance, the 2026 draft ordinance, and Section E (Existing/Other) and amendments.

The draft addresses how externally lit signs might use shielded downlighting to avoid interfering with traffic and neighbors, and whether the signs need to be lit 24/7, etc.

Internally lit signs would be banned village-wide, though municipal informational signs are exempt. There would be no blinking or animating signs, and there would be a curfew on signs from 11PM to 7AM. There would also be restrictions on sizes and brightness, etc.

Opposing opinions by the board indicated further discussion was necessary and were primarily centered around internally lit signs. Because of the unusually large audience, the Select Board allowed a straw vote, which appeared to favor no internally lit signs. Planning Board representative Rob Woodhouse suggested the Town be offered two options at the Town Meeting, which appeared to please Select Board members as a suitable solution.

Board members discussed how these signs would affect the look and feel of Kingfield. The issue between board members at this point is whether voters want the look and feel of the current quaint rural village in the center of town, according to Duval, or whether they want a neon-lit Route 27 corridor that is necessary for advertising as expressed by Jordan.

09/10/2026

Members of Legendarios, an evangelical men’s group, first showed up at a shuttered campsite in Kingfield last year.

09/10/2026

This is a report from the Maine Monitor, a nonprofit news source beginning to fill the gap in news desserts like Kingfield. They are a state-wide nonprofit and have subsections covering news here in the mountains and on the coast. Look them up--they are a great source of news.

Here is their coverage of Tuesday's Select Board meeting about the Legendario's presence--some call it an invasion--of Kingfield at Tufts Pond Camps and the three ponds, Tufts, Shiloh and Grindstone.

Members of Legendarios, an evangelical men’s group, first showed up at a shuttered campsite in Kingfield last year.

09/09/2026

KINGFIELD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SESSION

This gathering will be held at Webster Hall TONIGHT, September 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM

To Zoom: go to the town website, Officials, Meetings and Agendas. You have to be on five minutes before 5:00.

AGENDA:
5:00 - 5:30 – Open House
• Discuss process with committee members and learn more about the update to Kingfield’s Comprehensive Plan.

• Review executive summaries and progress scorecards to provide feedback on the topic area on our posterboard questions.

PRESENTATION
5:30 -
• Understand the intent of a comprehensive plan and the process used by Kingfield’s Comprehensive Plan Committee.

• Review key findings from data collection and public survey input that was integrated into the Comprehensive Plan.

09/08/2026

KINGFIELD SELECT BOARD MEETING
TONIGHT, WEBSTER HALL, 6:00PM

OLD BUSINESS
Discuss internally lit signs for the new Sign Ordinance.

NEW BUSINESS
Kate Simson and Lance Dunston to discuss recent developments on Tufts Ponds

Nomination and Election of a new Vice-Chair.

Discuss board vacancy.