Otisfield CEO wants new title

OTISFIELD - Code Enforcement Officer Richard St. John told selectmen he needed a new title, and they agreed.

According to the veteran code officer, the state has adopted the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, which goes into effect December 1. As St. John interprets the law, a town of less than 2,000 people that has no building code can either require constructors to pay for an independent, third party, inspector, or could appoint a qualified person to perform the work. St. John felt confident that he could qualify easily, and also qualify as a commercial building inspector within one year, if that would be what the board wanted.

However, as St. John explained, if the town wanted the code enforcement officer to become the building inspector, it had to change the job title to avoid creating a loophole that would allow non-compliance with building standards. The board quickly agreed to appoint St. John, effective December 1, when the law takes effect.

In other business, the board voted to ask again for bids on a Crooked River property that had received no bids when offered at a $20,000 minimum price. In this appeal for bids, $10,000 will be the minimum bid. Also unsold was the old range from the Community Hall. It found no takers at $100, and its price was lowered to $50.

The board announced that to ease pressure on town volunteers and paid staff, the day after the election, the next board meeting will be held the first Thursday, November 4,  instead of the first Wednesday, which is the usual meeting date.