Ordinance proposals for Rumford

RUMFORD -- Besides the budget, voters here Tuesday will also decide on five ordinance amendments and proposed ordinances, as well a proposed charter amendment.

The most publicized asks voters if they wish to adopt a wind energy facilty ordinance. The purposed of the ordinance would be to regulate wind energy facilities that may locate in the Town of Rumford.

A second proposed ordinance relates to revenue from RSU 10. Parks and Recreation requested language stating that incidental income resulting from their operations for RSU 10 be allocated to their budget, in addition to the town appropriation, so that the funds may be drawn upon for the Parks and Recreation Department's expenses. The measure would allow any remaining funds to be placed into Parks and Recreation's capital account, instead of going into the town's general fund, as is the case presently.

Another proposed ordinance would allocate two-thirds of the cable franchise fees received by the Town of Rumford to provide annual funding for cable access programming use. The Western Valley Access Channel has faithfully videotaped the regular meetings of the Board of Selectmen in Rumford.

The ordinance would not dictate how the remaining third, which would left to the discretion of the Board of Selectmen.

A fourth proposal is a redrafting of the Sign Ordinance. The purpose of the amendment is to define the size of signs and banners and to not allow alcoholic messages or logos on any signs posted on town property.

The fifth proposed ordinance states that all town of Rumford employees will be subject to the terms and conditions stipulated in the municipal personnel policy unless otherwise provided in the collective bargaining agreement.

The purpose of a proposed charter amendment would be to provide an opportunity, without involving the "critical circumstances" limitation of Article V, Section 6, to amend the Town Charter on a semi-annual basis in June and November of each year.