TOWN OF FRYE ISLAND March 8

TOWN OF FRYE ISLAND
1 Sunset Road, Frye Island, ME 04071
Phone 207-655-4551 Fax: 207-655-3422

March 8, 2002
Vol. 8, #1
www.fryeisland.com
manager@fryeisland.com

Frye Island is a great place to live, but being no different than many other small towns, we have certain issues and problems that must be addressed.

A new software package has been purchased and a major effort is being made to udate our accounting and database systems. This should stream line work being done in the office.

In our ongoing efforts to upgrade the water system, we have submitted a plan to the State and it has been approved. This plan includes extending the intake pipe into deeper water, which should reduce the amount of algae entering the filters.

The ferries are undergoing some repair work. This work includes replacement of rudder shafts and packing, upgrade of electrical systems and installation of fire suppression systems. With the mild winter, this work should be completed either before the island opens, or soon thereafter.

As many of you know, Maine is in the midst of one of the most serious droughts in recent years. The lake level has dropped so that one ferry is grounded, and the other is sitting in 1 -2 feet of water. At the present time, we are studying the feasibility of dredging the slipway on the mainland. A permit application to DEP is being completed to allow this work. Hopefully the drought will end early enough, and we will receive enough precipitation to alleviate this problem.

The island is tentatively scheduled to open on Friday, April 26, 2002. Due to the low water levels however, it is strongly recommended that you call before you head out to the island. The winter office numbers are 207-892-6517 and 207-892-6573 (fax line). E-mails can be sent to manager@fryeisland.com. You can also check the Towns' web page at www.fryeisland.com for updates.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who volunteer their time and talents to serve quietly on the many Boards and Committees that handle the Town's business. I encourage all Frye Island residents to join us in a mutual effort to improve our Town. There are many available openings that have to be filled each year and if you are interested in serving the Town of Frye Island, please make it known to one of the Selectmen, or the Town Manager.

How fortunate we are to have our beautiful island town, away from things that threaten the American way of life. Although we are all deeply affected by the monstrous events beginning September eleventh, there is something almost biblical about crossing over the water to our peaceful retreat.

What can we do to protect and insure that life on Frye Island will continue to be a treasure? The late President Kennedy said “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” These famous words still speak to all citizens. Everyone on Frye Island has a personal gift they can contribute. Volunteer.

Perhaps you can offer to help only on occasion. Help us put together the new kiddy playground equipment at the Community Center. Help us recapture inland walking trails that have overgrown. Spearhead just one event on the new committee for recreational events. Make sure your interests are enriched by doing something about it. One telephone call to the Town Office will do it.

The Marina, Golf Course, Fire Barn, our extraordinary Web Site, the Garden Club beautification projects, Library, Book Club, Annual Labor Day Dance, even Beano enhance island safety and atmosphere because of the efforts of volunteers. Our entire civic structure of Boards and Commissions works for the benefit of all because of the time and talent generously donated by both appointed and elected officials.

Frye Islanders, show your “can do” spirit. Lend your time, talent and energy. Support your interests and benefit from new friendships.

The Frye Island Inc. (FII) Board held two meetings this winter – one in December and the other in February. We plan to meet once more in March. While we have had ambitious agendas, two of the most important issues were updating the real estate policy and considering the potential transfer of assets to the Town.

Update Real Estate Policy – During the October Stockholders Meeting, the FII Board was instructed to temporarily refrain from selling any additional lots until the specific plans and goals of the Real Estate Policy are presented to the stockholders during the annual meeting in July. The Board has devoted a significant amount of time and effort to this task. We intend to prepare an informational packet available for your review soon after the Island opens, and be prepared to discuss it in detail with the stockholders in July. Dick Giggey deserves a “tip of the hat” for the extensive amount of time he has devoted to this project.

Transfer of Assets to Town – As you are aware, for more than a year the FII Board has been considering the merit of transferring certain assets to the Town. As a matter of fact, based on the recommendation of the Board, last October the stockholders voted to transfer the water system from FII to the Town. This was a logical and appropriate transfer as there are several advantages to the Town owing this utility. These advantages include a reduction in liability and increased potential for receiving state funding to finance water system enhancements.

The Board continued to consider transferring additional assets including the ferries, buildings, beaches, roads, tennis courts, pool, marina, golf course and land. However, the Board has come to the unanimous conclusion that it is in the best interest of the Island as a whole for FII to maintain ownership of these assets at this time. Should issues arise that would be best served by transferring an asset to the Town, it will be assessed on an as needed basis.

Currently there are three groups that have significant influence over life on the Island. These groups include the Town, the Board of Island Trustees (BIT) and FII. The Town, made up of registered voters, controls the majority of the day-to-day operations. The Board of Island Trustees, made up of cottage owners, creates the municipal budget. This is by far the biggest portion of discretionary spending. FII, made up of all lot owners, owns most of the common assets on the Island. Many of these assets are made available to the Town through an annual lease.

While these three groups work well together and all have the best interests of the Island at heart, we believe the system of checks and balances that is automatically created by the three groups having significant roles in running the island serves us well. Additionally, public and private entities each have distinct advantages in what they can and can’t do. We are fortunate to be able to utilize the best that both the public entities (Town and BIT) and a private entity (FII) have to offer for the common good of the Island.

If you have any questions regarding any of these issues, please feel free to contact any member of the Board. Keep smiling – if we can get some rain or snow, that first ferry will be shuttling to the Island in no time.

Ellis Mark Splettstoesser was born on December 7th at 6:14pm. He weighed 6lbs 11ozs and was 18 3/4" long. The delivering doctor was islander Bob Sansonetti.

As I prepare for my second full summer on the island, I have to ask, "Is there ever a normal year?" Last year we were fighting higher than normal snowfall and lake ice that held on until two days before our scheduled opening. This year, we are dealing with water levels that are 2 1/2 feet below what we need for full operation of our ferries.

We have been quite busy this winter on contingency plans for low water in Sebago Lake. We are looking into dredging at the mainland slipway, as well as modifications to the mailand gantry. Neither option will work in isolation. While we need sufficient water under the boat to handle the weights each is expected to carry, we also need a gantry that will extend low enough to get to the boat. These are both challenging scenarios.

We are also preparing contingency plans for solid waste collection/disposal and water consumption, both of which may be affected by low water levels in the lake. If water levels are such that heavy trucks are restricted from the ferries, then this will affect how we get solid waste off the island. And with lower water levels, we will be encouraging all residents to conserve water, restrict watering to overnight hours and generally be very conscience of where the water goes.

With a bit of luck and pre-planning, we hope that none of these eventualities come to pass, but we will hopefully be prepared for any contingencies that come our way.

The Golf Committee met at Anne Garceau’s house for the annual winter meeting on January 26, 2002 between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM. Attendees included Anne Garceau, John Kett, Kathy Lyons, Greg Tedford, Wayne Fournier, Tom Bishop and Mark Thomas. Paul Lyons and John Folsom were absent with regrets. The following are excerpts from the meeting. The full meeting minutes can be seen on the Frye Island Home Page.

WORK IN FALL – The Committee reviewed written reports submitted by Rob and Jay. Rob, Jay and Jeff worked. They completed the automatic Irrigation; thatched, fertilized and top-dressed tees; treated the greens for the winter; and worked on expanding the ladies tee on 9.

DRIVING RANGE – Planning for the driving range is ongoing. We are evaluating the phosphorous requirements from Portland Water.

TASKS ROB WILL WORK ON THIS WINTER – Rob was asked to work on a number of projects over the winter from developing Plans to increase individual play from off island, developing Operational SOPs, completing Equipment Operations & Maintenance Manuals, completing Record Documentation for the Irrigation System, generating job Descriptions for Staff, selling unsold Tee Markers and developing Safety SOPs

ICE CREAM SUNDAE NIGHTS – We will run Ice Cream Sundae Nights from 6 to 8 on May 25 and July 7. They will be held at the Community Center.

2002 FEE STRUCTURE - The 2002 fees recommended by the Committee are as indicated below:

There will be a $25 discount of the family or single membership fees received by May 15, 2002.

ADOPT A HOLE – We will ask for volunteers to “Adopt a Hole”. The primary responsibility will be to maintain flowers around the granite markers. We will need 12 volunteers for the 12 markers and 3 volunteers for the plantings around the clubhouse. Also, Rob will generate a list of small projects that can be completed by volunteer members.

OFF ISLAND TOURNAMENTS - The following schedule was set for Off Island Tournaments:

SUNDAY MORNING SCRAMBLE – The scrambles will be run by volunteers each week. It was agreed that the resolution of ties will be determined by Rob. We will suggest that he set it up for each Sunday of the month similar to the tees. Options include matching cards, sudden death playoff, chip offs, putt offs, etc.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON SCRAMBLE – Because of the lack of interest shown last year, the Committee voted to limit the scheduled Sunday Afternoon Scramble to one weekend per month.

GOLF COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE – YEAR 2000 – The Golf Committee will meet on the second Sunday of each month after the morning scramble. We will ask that Rob prepare a handout for each meeting. The specific items will be finalized but will include items such as financials, status of issues from last meeting, issues to be addressed, review of the last month and projections for the next month.

The annual General membership Meeting will be after the morning scramble during Labor Day Weekend.

WORK DAYS – Rob will schedule set workdays well in advance with tasks to be completed. These proved to be very useful last year.

The first half tax payment was due on Jan. 1, 2002. Second half payments are due on July 1, 2002. If you haven't paid your taxes yet, call the winter office for a current amount due at 207-892-6517. The Interest rate on late payments is 10.75%

We have finally received an answer from the State Planning Office on our Comprehensive Plan. While State statutes require a response within 60 days of submission, we have endure a review period of over 140 days. But, the good news is, our plan is consistent with the State guidelines. There are some minor chnges that we will be making to clarify a couple of points, but the plan is essentialldy done. Look for it on the July warrant for approval. FWM

I think I speak for all islanders when I express my sympathy to Mary Hunt and family over the sudden loss of Bob over the winter. His death caught us all by surprise, and will leave a hole in the fabric of the island. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and her family during these difficult times.

A new rental policy for boat slips in the Marina and Quail Circle will go into effect this season.

--The Marina will have up to 25 slips available for renewable annual rental to homeowners. These will be known as "Renewable Slips" and may be renewed each year, provided fees are paid on time and other current policies are followed. Some slips will be available this summer.

--Quail Circle slips will continue to be available on a renewable annual basis. They are also "Renewable Slips."

--One "Waiting List" will be maintained for Renewable Slips. When you reach the top of the Waiting List, you may take the next slip available, or you may defer assignment of a slip and maintain your top spot while waiting for another choice. So if you would like a Quail Circle slip and a Marina slip becomes available, you can pass until there is a Quail Circle slip for you.

--There will be one Renewable Slip per dwelling so that the most Islanders can have one. You may renew your slip each season for as long as you own your house on the Island.

--Consistent with the current policies, you will need to join the Frye Island Yacht Club to get a Renewable Slip. This fee is $300.

--The first $100 of the Frye Island Yacht Club fee must be paid to establish your position on the Waiting List.

--If you are currently on a list for a slip in Quail Circle, you will be given the same position on the new Waiting List, provided you pay the first $100 of the Frye Island Yacht Club fee. CONTACT THE OFFICE IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE ON A LIST NOW.

--If you already have a Renewable Slip in Quail Circle, you may also go on the Waiting List to exchange your present slip for a different location. For instance, you might want a different spot in Quail Circle or you might want to move to the Marina.

--To be placed on the waiting list for a renewable slip (either in the Marina or Quail Circle) send a letter to the Frye Island Office, stating you name, address, lot number, phone number and desire for a renewable slip. Pleae indicate your preference for the Marina or Quail Circle. If you are not a member of the Frye Island Yacth Club, please include $100 as your initial payment of your Yacht Club membership. IF YOUR REQUEST AND CHECK ARE RECEIVED BY APRIL 1! YOUR DOCK WILL BE ORDERED FOR THIS SEASON.

There will continue to be General Rental slips available on a weekly basis, and some of these slips might be rented for a season to homeowners on a NON-renewable basis, depending on supply and demand. Contact the Frye Island Office if you want one of these slips.

Details of the Rental Policy will be incorporated into an updated Frye Island Yacht Club Policy Handbook, and the handbook will be the final policy regarding the availability and use of slips. However, this early announcement is being made so that anyone waiting for a slip can have one as soon as possible.

Maine School Administrative District 6 (District)
MASD6, P.O. Box 38, Bar Mills, ME 04004-0038

Greetings!

As your representative on the District's School Board (Board) I am offering you the following overview of the District and of the budgeting process. In the spring, I will provide details.

The stated mission of the District is to help all students reach their full potential. (In January of 2002, the enrollment was 4,113 students.) Under leadership of Dr. Grace Ward, the Superintendent, and the Board, chaired by Rebecca Bowley, the District is making very noticeable progress in accomplishing this mission through adoption of the Strategic Goals and Core Beliefs. The Strategic Goals are Highest Student Achievement, Safe Learning Environment, and High Performance Organization. The Core Beliefs are Accepting Responsibility, Building Internal and External Partnerships, Communicating Positively and Constructively, Demonstrating Mutual Respect and Integrity, Fostering a Safe, Caring Climate, Promoting Life-Long Learning, Providing for Diverse Needs, Sharing in Decision Making, and Utilizing Principles of Continuous Improvement. These Goals & Beliefs are responsive to the State Education initiatives of Learning Results, Performance Assessment, and Responsible Student Behavior.

The District is located in two counties - Cumberland and York. The five towns that belong to the District are Buxton, Frye Island, Hollis, Limington, and Standish. It has fourteen school buildings and several portables. These assets constitute eleven schools: High School, Middle School, and nine Elementary Schools headed by six School Principals. Dr. Ward has two Assistant Superintendents and a Business Manager reporting to her. The total number of employees is approximately seven hundred and fifty. The Board has thirteen members.

The budget for the current school year (2001-2002) is $31,136,697.00. The total actual expenditures for the completed school year (2000-2001) were $28,851,563.05. The Budget Committee, which is chaired by Robert Hoffman and of which I am a member, is reviewing the proposed budget for the next school year (2002-2003). The Committee will make its recommendations to the full Board in the first week of April. The Board will vote on the budget on April 22^nd. The final budget will be presented to each town in the District in April/May. The referendum vote on the budget is scheduled for June 11^th.

There will be increases in the budget. The contracts negotiated with the employees call for modest increases in wages. These contracts must be honored. At this time, all indications are that the State will decrease noticeably its general assistance to education. Then there is the debt service, over which there is little control. The District is not immune to the substantial increases in Group Insurance. The budget for the Special Education, which is mandated by the Federal Government, will also increase. When this law was passed, there was a promise to fund 40% of the costs. It is now only 15%. For the current school year, the State provided about 51% of the needs and the rest was allocated to the towns. Yet, the cost of the special education is climbing. In the current year the Special Education budget is $4,178,449.00. There are other proposed increases, over which the Committee and the Board have, and will exercise, more control.

The District made the right steps in making sure that it will be compliant with the GASB 34, which is the new GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) standard for the state and local governments. The District's year for compliance is 2003. Frye Island's year of compliance is 2004. While compliance is not mandatory, the entity that will elect not to comply will diminish, most likely, its ability to get grants (federal or state), loans, and other types of assistance.

Last item I want to note is the Adult Education, which has a broader range of activities than the name suggests. Its budget is a separate article to be voted on at the June Budget Referendum. (For fiscal year 2002 the budget is $154,412. The state funding and tuition fees cover 51% of this total. The rest is allocated to the towns.) The District hired a new Adult Education Director, Mr. Patrick O'Regan. Mr. O'Regan is very much interested in meeting Islanders and making sure that Frye Island becomes an active part in his program. Please write to him about specific instructions that you would like to see being offered this coming season on the Island. Also, if any of you have qualifications to teach an adult education course, please communicate them to Patrick at the District's address. (You also can reach him using e-mail: patrick_oregan@sad6.k12.me.us)

Thank you for placing your trust in me by electing me to the MSAD6 School Board.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A PLETHORA OF PROGRAMS FOR THE SUMMER OF 2002. THE PROGRAM COMMITTEE HAS BEEN WORKING HARD TO PROVIDE PROGRAMS THAT WILL BE OF INTEREST TO EVERYONE.

OUR FIRST MEETING WILL BE THE SECOND SATURDAY IN MAY. COME AND HELP US PLAN THE ANNUAL PLANT SALE. THIS YEAR WE WILL HAVE SOME NEW SELECTIONS INCLUDING LUPINE, PINK DAY, LILIES AND ROGASA ROSES.

WE HAVE BECOME FAMOUS FOR OIUR SHORT MEETINGS AND EXCELLENT PROGRAMS. COME AND MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS. NO DUES OR DRESS CODE. IF YOU ARE ON THE ISLAND YOU ARE A MEMBER.

The Board of Selectmen approved a new schedule for the Town Offices, as follows:

These hours are for walk in traffic only. Appointments can be made outside these times as needed.

We've gathered all your recipes, and typed our fingers sore.
The donations are marvelous, we could not ask for more!
We hope it will be published just in time to celebrate
Frye Island's birthday party on that most auspicious date.

We wish to thank contributors who shared their grand creations
We're pleased to say your great response exceeded expectations.
We ask your help just once again and for the final time,
Sell all the books we've printed so we can end this rhyme.

THE FIELD OF DREAMS IS NOW A REALITY AND WE CAN ALL LOOK FORWARD TO “STROLING BY THE PARK” ON OPENING WEEKEND.THE GRASS WAS MOWED TWICE, BEFORE WE LEFT AND IT LOOKED GREAT.

ALL THAT IS LEFT TO DO IS CONSTRUCT THE BACKSTOP AND FENCE, PUT IN THE BASELINES AND DO SOME LANDSCAPING. WE CAN COMPLETE THIS FOR ABOUT $5,000.

BRUCE AND THERESA LANE HAVE DONATED A GRANITE BENCH. MR. AND MRS. TOM BISHOP HAVE DONATED BASES, BATS AND BALLS. THIS IS A BIG HELP AND WE DO APPRECIATE IT.

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET DONATED TO THIS PROJECT, HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING THAT WILL BE ENJOYED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. 85% OF OWNERS ON THE ISLAND HAVE DONATED. LET’S MAKE IT 100%. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS. THEY CAN BE MADE OUT TO THE FRYE ISLAND BALL FIELD AND SENT TO FRYE ISLAND, 1 SUNSET ROAD, FRYE ISLAND, MAINE 04071

THE SPRING MARINA COMMITTEE MEETING IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MAY 25TH, AT 9:00am, AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

In an effort to improve service on the island ferries, a new schedule is being implemented this year for High Season, daytime runs, starting on June 21 and running until September 2.

The ferries will have the same start and end times as last year, but the 1/2 hour schedule is being abandoned in favor a fixed 20 minute schedule. For instance, the boats will run at 9:00 a.m., 9:20 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and then at 10:00 a.m. This schedule will eliminate shuttling. Also, since there will be no down time during non-shuttling runs, there will be periods during the day when there will be no runs, to allow for lunches/dinners and other breaks. Those scheduled breaks will be at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. At these times, there will be no ferry run. The schedule will resume at 10:20 and 1:20.

This will be the schedule from the first morning run until 5:00 p.m., when the regular 1/2 hour runs will commence.

The fire department has started the process of acquiring a siren that will be installed on the roof of the fire barn. It will be connected to the one on the roof of the town office. The purpose is to provide a warning/alert system on Frye Island should some event or incident occur that would require that all residents be notified. This project is a cooperative venture of the fire department, FII and the town committee.

PLANS FOR THE NEW COMMUNITY CENTER PLAYGROUND ARE COMING ALONG BEAUTIFULLY!! BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, WE'LL BE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP ASSEMBLE THE PLAYSTRUCTURE AND SWINGS. A WEEKEND FULL OF FUN, COMMUNITY SPIRIT, GREAT FOOD AND BEVERAGES, AND A WONDERFUL SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AWAITS. AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DATE FOR THIS EXCITING WEEKEND WILL BE PROVIDED IN AN UPCOMING FINS!!!

The Leisure Lounge is looking for two people to assist in running the pro shop and lounge. One position is full time, May to October, and other is part-time, June to October. Both positions require weekend and evenings. Duties include customer service, pro-shop sales, tending bar, and helping with course play. Applications should be sent to:

A public hearing will be held on March 23, 2002 by the Board of Selectmen on the liquour license applications of Frye's Leap Cafe and Frye Island Inc., dba Frye Island Golf Course. The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Express, North Street, Saco, ME at 9:00 a.m. Written testimony may also be submitted if you are unable to attend.

March 23

May 25

June 22

July 6, Town Meeting

September 28

October 12, Town Meeting

October 19

ITEM	FEE	ITEM	FEE
Initiation Fee	500.00	Weekend and Holiday	26.00
Family Membership	695.00	Three Day Pass	40.00
Single Membership	465.00	Pull Cart (9 or 18)	3.00
Trail Fee	130.00	9 Hole Gas Cart	15.00
Week Day	17.00	18 Hole Gas Cart	25.00
Week Day Youth (Under 16)	9.00	Clubs (9 or 18)	10.00
All Twilight Fees	12.00	Club Storage	30.00
Scramble Only	15.00

SUB COMMITTEE	ASSIGNMENT
Liaison with Manager of Golf	Mark Thomas
Handicap	Wayne Fournier
Tournament	Tom Bishop
Maine Golf Coordination	Wayne Fournier
5 Year Plan	John Kett, Kathy Lyons, Paul Lyons, Greg Tedford

TOURNAMENT	DATE
Memorial Day – Rob’s Choice	May 25
Mates and Dates Alternate Swing	June 8
Steak & Hot Dog	July 6
Sing and Swing	July 20
Member/Guest	Aug 10 & 11
Night Golf	August 24
Club Championship	Complete by Sept 2
President’s Cup	Sept 1
Shootout	Sept 14
October’s Best	Oct 12
Rally for a Cure	TBD

TOURNAMENT	DATES	SPONSOR
Frye Island Invitational	June 22 & 23	Steve Daigle
Sebago Lake Golf Escape	Sept 7 & 8	Mark Thomas
Stevens Tournament	TBD	Mr. Stevens
Rally for a Cure	TBD	Bobbie Thomas
Maine Businessmen	Sept 21	Maine Businessmen
SMWGA Golf Day	Possibly 10/22	Patty Meyer
Grondin	TBD
St Cyr	TBD