SECRET BALLOT ELECTION. AND TOWN MEETING WARRANT Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Tuesday, June 18, 2024  and  To Pennie Alley, a resident of the Town of South Thomaston, in the County of Knox, State of  Maine, GREETINGS:  In the name of the State of Maine, you are hereby required to notify and warn the voters of the Town of South Thomaston in the County of Knox and State of Maine, qualified to vote by law in Town affairs, to meet at the Municipal Building in South Thomaston on Tuesday, the 11th day of June, 2024A.D at eight o'clock in the morning, then and there to act upon Article 1 and by secret ballot on Article 2 as set out below, the polling hours therefore be from 8 am to 8 pm; The Registrar will be in session at 8:00 o'clock in the morning until 8:00 o'clock in the evening, on June 11, 2024 at the South Thomaston Municipal Building, 125 Spruce Head Road, South Thomaston, Maine for the registration of voters and correcting the voting list. APERSON WHO ISNOTI REGISTEREDASASOUTHTHOMASTONVOTERI MAYNOTVOTE INANY ELECTION And, to notify and warn said inhabitants to meet at the Ash Point Community School, 54 Ash Point Drive, Owls Head, Maine , on Tuesday, the 18h day of June 2024 A.D., at seven o'clock in the  INCLUDING TOWN MEETING  evening, then and there, to act upon Articles 3 through 27. Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.  Article 2. To elect one Selectboard member, one Assessor and one Overseer-ol-tne-Por for a Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to authorize payment to the Selectboard members and Article 4. Shall an ordinance entitled "June 2024 Amendments to the Town of South Thomaston Land Use Ordinance" be enacted? Copies of the proposed amendments will be available at the Article 5. Shall an ordinance entitled "June 2024 Amendments to the Town of South Thomaston Shoreland Zoning Ordinance" be enacted? Copies of the proposed amendments will be available Article 6. Shall an ordinance entitled an "Ordinance to Prohibit the Operation of All Terrain Vehicles and Similar Motorized Devices on Town Owned Property" be enacted?  term until the Town Meeting of 2027.  Assessors quarterly.  Town Office, on the Town Website and at the Town Meeting.  at the Town Office, on the Town Website and at the Town Meeting.  The proposed ordinance follows.    Town of South Thomaston  Ordinance to Prohibit the Operation of All-Terrain Vehicles and Similar Motorized Devices on Town-Owned Property  A. Purpose  The purpose of this ordinance is to protect the property of the Town of South Thomaston, Maine (hereinafter Town) and to prevent environmental damage caused from the operation of all-terrain vehicles (hereinafter. ATVs)and similar motorized devices on Town  Property.  B. Area of Applicability the Town. Definitions  This ordinance shall apply to all Town-owned property located within the boundaries of  1. For purposes of this ordinance ATVs shall mean all-terrain vehicles and similar motorized devices and any motorized vehicle including, but not limited to, what are commonly known as ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, pick-up trucks or other vehicles that are designed or equipped to operate on rough terrain. The fact that a vehicle could also operate on a roadway does not exclude it from being included as an ATV under this definition. Snowmobiles shall not be considered ATVs under this 2. For purposes of this ordinance Town Property shall mean any parcel of land  definition.  owned by the Town.  D. Prohibitions E. Exemptions  Itshall be unlawful to operate an ATV (as defined above) on Town Property.  Notwithstanding Section D, above, this prohibition shall not apply to ATVS performing emergency search and rescue operations, firefighting activities including training, training for emergency search and rescue operations, property maintenance and research  activities performed by or at the direction of the Town.  F.E Enforcement M.R.S. S 4-B.  Violations of this ordinance shall be considered a civil violation in accordance with 17 1. The Town Administrator, Road Commissioner or other town employee or official, as may be designated by the Selectboard, as well as any local, county or State law enforcement officer or warden ("enforcement agent") shall be empowered to  enforce the provisions of this Ordinance.  2    2. Upon finding a violation of this Ordinance, the enforcement agent shall order an individual operating an ATVin violation of this Ordinance tot forthwith leave Town Property and shall issue the violator an oral warning and document the oral warning with the Town Clerk noting to whom the warning was issued and the 3. Upon finding a second violation of this Ordinance by the same individual, the enforcement agent shall order the individual operating an ATVir in violation of this Ordinance to forthwith leave Town Property and shall issue the violator a written 4. Upon finding a third violation of this Ordinance by the same individual, the enforcement agent shall order the individual operating an ATVin violation of this Ordinance to forthwith leave Town Property and shall issue a second citation 5. Upon finding a fourth violation of this Ordinance by the same individual, the enforcement agent shall order an individual operating an ATVin violation of this Ordinance to forthwith leave Town Property and shall issue a third citation 6. Should a violator fail to pay one or more citation penalties within 90 days after issuance, the Select Board shall have the authority to pursue enforcement action inc court, and shall be entitled to all civil penalties set forth above, as well as its  date and time.  citation imposing a penalty of $50.  ordering the violator to pay a penalty of $150.  imposing a penalty of $300.  legal fees and costs in prosecuting the violation.  Article 7. Shall the Town vote to impose the following conditions and restrictions on a parçel of land conveyed to the Town on August 29, 2023 from Ralph E. Cline III, identified on the date of conveyance on the town tax maps as Map 008, Lots 002 & 003. The deed to the Town is 1. The property shall be used for green space conservation and low impact outdoor 2. The property shall not be developed except to engage in limited lowi impact filling, excavation, culvert installation and/or clearing for the purposes of trail development and 3. Permissible outdoor recreational opportunities shall include, but are not limited to: walking, running, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, birding and hunting. 4. Limited forest management activities for the purpose of maintaining the health of the forest shall be permissible, including the introduction and/or the eradication ofi invasive  recorded at the Knox County Registry of Deeds at Book 6045, Page 152  recreational purposes.  stewardship.  species or infestation.  3    5. The use of vehicles, ATVs, dirt bikes and similar motorized devices, except for emergency and rescue activities and municipal repair and maintenance of trails is Article 8. To see if the town will allow individuals and organizations, whether incorporated or not, to utilize town facilities under such terms and conditions as the Selectboard deems Article 9. To see what sums of money the Town will vote to raise or appropriate for General Government and how the same shall be raised. (see lines 10-17 of proposed 2024-25 budget)  expressly prohibited.  advisable  Administration (line 11) By Appropriation Anticipated Revenue From Excise Total: Assessors (line 12) By Appropriation Anticipated Revenue From Surplus Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  171,736 28,290 80,000 $280,026  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  10,909 22,000 3,000 $35,909  Planning Board-Board of Appeals (line 13) Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  By Appropriation Total:  2,718 $2,718  Conservation Commission (line 14) Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  ByA Appropriation Total:  618 $618  Buildings & Grounds (line 15) Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends: ByA Appropriation Anticipated Revenue From Excise From Surplus Total:  12,405 13,155 50,000 19,000 $94,560  Town Landing (line 16) From Excise Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  5,763 $5,763  4    Code Enforcement & Plumbing Inspector (line 17) Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  By Appropriation Anticipated Revenue From Excise From Surplus Total:  19,350 15,276 15,000 10,000 $59,626  Article 10. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise or appropriate for Public Safety and how the same shall be raised. (see lines 19-23 of proposed 24-25 budget)  Fire Department (line 20) ByA Appropriation From Surplus Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends  160,850 7,000 $167,850  Ambulance Service (line 21) By Appropriation Anticipated Revenue Grant From Surplus Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  220,421 126,000 33,568 1,000 $380,989  General Public Safety (line 22) Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends: ByA Appropriation Anticipated Revenue Total: Streetlights (line 23) ByA Appropriation Total:  75,559 6,355 $81,914  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  3,500 $3,500  Article 11. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise or appropriate for Public Works  and how the same shall be raised. (see line 25 of proposed 24-25 budget)  Public Works By Appropriation Anticipated Revenue From Excise From Surplus Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  10,797 45,000 280,000 47,000 $382,797  5    Article 12. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise or appropriate for Health & Sanitation and how the same shall be raised. (see line 26 of proposed 24-25 budget)  Health & Sanitation By Appropriation Anticipated Revenue Reserve From Surplus Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  334,880 3,300 660 7,000 $345,840  Article 13. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise or appropriate for General Assistance and how the same shall be raised. (see line 27 of proposed 24-25 budget)  General Assistance Anticipated Revenue Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  1,500 $1,500  Article 14. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise or appropriate for Culture & Recreation and how the same shall be raised. (see lines 29-31 of proposed 24-25 budget)  Library (line 30) By Appropriation Anticipated Revenue From Surplus Total: Recreation (line 31) ByA Appropriation Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  579 2,500 2,000 $5,079  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  1,960 $1,960  Article 15. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise or appropriate for Debt Services  and how the same shall be raised. (see line 33 of proposed 24-25 budget)  Debt Services ByA Appropriation Anticipated Revenue Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  17,061 15,600 $32,661    Article 16. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise or appropriate for Reserve Funds and how the same shall be raised. (see line 34 of proposed 24-25 budget)  Revaluation Reserve Fund By Appropriation Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  20,000 $20,000  Fire Truck Reserve Fund ByA Appropriation Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  60,000 $60,000  Fire Equipment Reserve Fund Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends: By Appropriation Total:  10,000 $10,000  Fire Pond Maintenance Reserve Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  By Appropriation Total: Ambulance Reserve ByAppropriation Grant Total:  5,000 $5,000  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends  40,000 50,000 $90,000  Ambulance Equipment Reserve Fund: Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  ByAppropriation Total:  5,000 $5,000  Town Landing Reserve Fund: Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends: From Boat Excise Total:  237 $237  Cemetery Reserve Fund: ByA Appropriation Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  1,000 $1,000  Fire Truck Repair Reserve: ByA Appropriation Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  3,240 $3,240  7    Recreation Reserve By/ Appropriation Total: Forest Preserve From Surplus Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  5,000 $5,000  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  20,000 $20,000  Article 17. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise or appropriate for Cemetery- GRSF-Veterans and how the same shall be raised. (see line 35 of proposed 24-25 budget)  Cemetepy-GmSF-Veterans ByAppropriation Anticipated Revenue Total:  Selectboard/ Budget Committee Recommends:  34,168 300 $34,468  Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to exceed the property tax levy limit of $892,599, established for the Town of South Thomaston by State law, in the event that the municipal budget approved under the preceding articles will result in a tax commitment that is greater than the Article 19. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectboard, on behalf of the town, to: solicit donations and grants, whether public and private; accept or reject any donations or grants that may. be offered or awarded, including donations or grants that impose conditions or other restrictions; expend funds from any accepted donations or grants in accordance with any conditions or other restrictions that the donor or grantor mayi impose and; execute any documents Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectboard to appoint all town officials as Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectboard on behalf of the Town to sell and dispose of any real estate acquired by the Town for nonpayment of taxes thereon, under such terms as it may deem advisable, and to execute quit claim deeds for such property. Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectboard to accept or dispose of all Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectboard to transfer funds from  current property tax levy limit.  that the donor or grantor may require. necessary or required by law.  equipment.  unexpended balances and surplus as it deems necessary.    Article 24. To see if the town will vote to charge interest on all delinquent taxes at the rate of 8.50% per annum, computed on a daily basis and to establish two due dates for property taxes, with one-half of the tax amount due October 1, 2024, and one-half oft the tax amount due April 1, Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to set the interest rate to be paid by the Town on abated taxes at a rate of 8.50% and to authorize such interest paid or abatements granted to be appropriated from the overlay funds, ori ifnecessary, from unassigned fund balance. Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to reaffirm its previous June 15, 2021 vote, pursuant to the recommendation of the Gilford Butler Futures Committee, to fundraise and plan for the construction of a modern energy efficient library and community center, with a large meeting Article 27. Toseei if the Town will direct the Town Officials to change course from the current goal of demolition and replacement of the Gilford Butler Building and to preserve the existing Gilford The Registrar will bei in session at 6:30 ini the evening of. June 18, 2022, at Ash Point Community School 54 Ash Point Drive, Owls Head, Maine for the registration of voters and correcting the voting list. A PERSON WHO IS NOT REGISTERED AS A SOUTH THOMASTON VOTER MAY  2025.  room, at the site of the former Gilford Butler School.  Butler Building for future Town use.  NOTVOTE INANY ELECTION INCLUDING TOWN MEETING.  Given under our hands at South Thomaston on this 29th day of May two thousand, twenty-four.  South Thomaston Selectboard: Jeff Northgraves, Chair John Spear Sue Snow  Gu  K