KVCOG operates a Joint Purchasing Program for its member municipalities. The variety of materials vary and typically include road salt, flake calcium chloride, culverts, geotextiles, road signage, and composting equipment.
KVCOG’s member municipalities saved approximately $69,319 annually through the program. For some, the savings exceed their annual KVCOG membership fee.
Road Signs and Composting Equipment can be purchased at any time.
Contact
Jessie Cyr, Economic and Community Development Director
207-453-4258 Ext. 220>
Heavy Loads Limited Signs:
Bump Signs:
Pricing and ordering information can be found here
*KVCOG distributes these products for Maine Resource Recovery Association, and therefore does not dictate the pricing of the products, nor profit from their sale.
Contact:
Jessie Cyr, Economic and Community Development Director-453-4258 Ext. 220
KVCOG can assist with the creation and update of Municipal Comprehensive Plans to meet the towns long term planning goals and the State level requirements for Plans. Services range from basic information and guidance to a full service contract option at a subsidized membership rate to create a new plan for a community.
Why create a Comprehensive Plan?
Communities complete Comprehensive Plans for a variety of reasons. At their most basic level, communities complete Comprehensive Plans to prepare for the future. A comprehensive review of community issues and policies promotes discussion among neighbors and can help communities avoid problems that sometimes occurs when community decisions are made in a piecemeal fashion.
A comprehensive plan is a guide to the future for the town. It is not an ordinance or a set of rules, it is instead a guide for the town government to move in the direction the people want. It provides a map indicating what direction the town wants to go in over the next 10 years, and it also provides a “snapshot in time” of the town.
Good planning makes good communities.
A good Comprehensive Plan should enable a community to:
• Sustain rural living and a vibrant village center.
• Preserve a healthy landscape and a walkable community.
• Balance economic prosperity with quality of life
• Protect working waterfronts and/or community farms.
• Develop a discussion among neighbors.
• Develop a basis for sound decisions in town management.
Financial Incentives
State Law and various agencies have established incentives for communities to develop Comprehensive Plans. Over $80 million is awarded through 25 state grant and loan programs that either require or encourage applicants to have a consistent comprehensive plan. These include:
• DECD Funds / Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
-Housing Assistance - $500,000
-Home Repair Network - $1million
-Public Infrastructure - $1million
-Downtown Revitalization - $300,000
-Public Service Grant - $50,000
• Land for Maine’s Future - Multiple grants of $25,000
• Land and Water Conservation Fund - $500,000
• MDEP 319(h) Non-Point Source Protection Grants - $50,000 - $150,000
• DEP State Revolving Loan Fund - $200,000
• MDOT Village Partnership Initiative – Varies by Project but at least $50,000+
• MDOT Stream Crossing grant - $200,000
More than $4 million is available to towns with a consistent Comprehensive Plan!!!
In summary a Comprehensive Plan is there to encourage orderly growth and development in appropriate areas of the community, while protecting the towns rural character, making efficient use of public services and preventing any development sprawl.
These services are funded through the Department of Conservation, Agriculture, and Forestry and the Department of Transportation, municipal dues, and fee-for-service arrangements. Staff provides guidance ranging from phone calls to attendance at meetings and field visits. Work includes developing new ordinances, assisting with ordinance amendments and conducting workshops for individual member towns. Land Use Regulations include zoning, subdivision review, development (site) review, building code, ordinances regulating day care, mobile home parks, sludge spreading, signs, wind turbines, cell towers, or other potential nuisances.
KVCOG advocates for ordinances and review procedures that are easily understood and accessible by administrators as well as applicants.
KVCOG provides professional and technical assistance with drafting, implementing, administering, and enforcing land use and building regulations. The following are examples of land use services:
The staff of KVCOG’s Planning Division conduct regional transportation planning projects and assistance to communities. These activities are funded by the Maine Department of Transportation.
For more information about any of our planning services, please contact:
Jessica Cobb, Senior Planner
453-4258 ext. 218
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Sally Dwyer, Franklin Savings Bank, Chair
Ken Lust, Anson, Vice Chair
Tim Curtis, Somerset County, Member
John Butera, Skowhegan Savings Bank, Member