Woodstock citizens question prayer before meetings

WOODSTOCK — A group of citizens, led by Arla Patch, has asked the Woodstock Board of Selectmen to alter the long-standing tradition of opening Town Meeting with a prayer to a moment of silence.

Patch said the "town is not in compliance with the U.S. Constitution. ... A moment of silence is universal and just."

Gayle Russell echoed these sentiments, saying she "hasn't ever found anybody offended at a moment of silence. It provides an opportunity to prepare for the meeting ahead."

Selectman Ronald Deegan thanked the group for "the professional and respectful way of bringing this to us."

Once the board has reached a decision on this issue, it will direct Town Manager Vern Maxfield to publicize it. Board members indicated that the board will give its reasons for its decisions.

Jan Kendrick presented a proposed draft of a Quiet Zone ordinance to the board. She said "There is definitely big interest in having this."

Kendrick's main goal is to quiet down the sound of trucks using their compression release engine brakes, or "jake brakes," as they come into Bryant Pond village, with a secondary goal of giving residents legal recourse with respect to noise complaints.

All three selectmen questioned the issues of investigation and enforcement. They directed Maxfield to look into this with the Oxford County Sheriff.

Deegan said "I would need something in writing, then let the taxpayers vote on it."

In response to questions by several local contractors, all three selectmen gave their personal opinions of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code. Chairman Rick Young said "I like the idea of a code, but I don't need a code to tell me how to do it. What we have seems to be working for us right now. The code goes too far."

Deegan opined that, "The energy side of this, no way. It should be my choice to decide what windows to put in and I'd like to be able to work on my own house."

Steve Bies added, "I'm the least well-informed, but the freedom to build my own house, as I did, would be greatly missed.''

The issue of whether to adopt the building code, the energy code or neither or both may be on the Town Meeting warrant. Young added, "I'd like to see it voted down astoundingly, maybe this would send a message to Augusta."

In other news, the board:

• Announced there will be a committee appointed to determine criteria for placing names on the Veterans Monument by the library.

• Heard that the Planning Board is working on an ordinance for a Certificate of Occupancy, particularly for new businesses that would satisfy lenders that all was up to town requirements.

•  Announced that the Conservation Commission is delaying its proposed open space plan until spring.