Hebron considers GIS parcel mapping

HEBRON — The potential town use of GIS mapping services was discussed by the Board of Selectmen at its meeting Monday.

According to Selectman Dick Deans, Jon Gile, Geographic Information System (GIS) manager, Sebago Technics, Inc., had recently contacted the Town of Hebron offering his GIS parcel mapping services.

"They've been hired by the state on some sort of a grant to do some GIS parcel mapping in towns that don't have it," said Deans. "He [Giles] said there was 30, 35 towns, maybe even a few more that don't have their ... town layout on Internet capabilities."

Sebago Technics is a consulting firm of more than 50 design professionals and technical staff offering quality, cost-effective engineering services to towns throughout Maine and New England, according to its website. The company is based in Maine, and has locations in both Westbrook and Lewiston.

Deans said that with GIS mapping, Hebron residents would be able to look up a parcel of land, along with other geographically referenced data through an Internet database.

"They contacted Hebron to see if we would be okay getting on board with this," said Deans. "What they will do is, they will get the information [they need] off the town tax cards and maps. ... The question is how they are arriving at [their] configurations."

Selectman Dan Eichorn expressed interested in learning more about GIS parcel mapping.

"The only thing that concerns me, is what it's used for," he said. "If it's used by the state to determine something, I'd like to make sure that our maps are more accurate. ... If it's not; if it's just [used as] a general reference ... then fine. As long as we don't have to pay for it." 

Deans said that the GIS parcel mapping offered by Sebago Technics is paid for by the state on a federal grant.

"I think it [Sebago Technics] is taking the maps, then the actual [information on] parcels off the tax cards," said Deans.

"Mostly, I'm just curious ... if I'm going to be giving people outside access to the town's tax cards, which I don't think are part of the public," said Eichorn.

Board members agreed to contact Giles for more information about offering GIS mapping services in Hebron.

In other news, the board:

• Announced that the Hebron Academy lawsuit is still being reviewed by the judge and said that the town should expect a decision within the first week of January.

• Discussed whether hiring another person for the Highway Department was financially feasible. Selectman Dan Eichorn suggested that instead of borrowing money from the town's existing road account to pay employees, it should open a separate payroll account for budgeting purposes and to plan for the following year (2013). Selectman Jim Reid suggested contacting towns that currently use the service and asking them about its advantages.

• Announced that the Highway Department is still seeking a part-time truck driver.

• Announced that Randy Smith, former chairman of the planning board, has resigned. Fred Greenwood is the current contact for the board. Eichorn said that there are currently two positions open on the planning board.

• Heard from Selectman Dick Deans that Healthy Oxford Hills is selling 12-by-18-inch "smoke free area" signs for $11 each. Selectman Jim Reid pointed out that there is currently a sign in the town office as well as at the town garage.

• Announced the next scheduled meeting to be Tuesday, December 27 at 7 p.m. in the town office.