Planning board to sign letter supporting County Ag & Turf Supply CDBG grant for applicator services

The Caribou Planning Board voted to provide a letter of support confirming that the proposed expansion of services by County Ag and Turf Supply — including licensed pesticide application — is allowed in the RC-2 rural commercial zone. City staff said the city must apply for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) on behalf of the business and act as the fiduciary agent for the award.

Penny, the city staff planner, told the board the business at 7 Dow Siding Road (Map 5, Lot 11F) had received state approval to enter the project development phase for the grant and requested a letter from the planning board confirming the proposed activity is allowed in the zone. The planned grant purchases include a stand-up sprayer/spreader, aerator, service-management software and inventory to support turf-chemical application by a licensed applicator, and the application materials state the expansion will create jobs.

Board members asked questions about licensing and zoning compliance; staff said an employee would hold the pesticide applicator’s license and the proposed services complement existing goods sold by the business. Penny said she would prepare the board’s letter and have Amanda sign it after she is sworn in following appointment.

Motion and vote: A motion to support the grant application and provide the requested letter was made and seconded; the board voted in favor and the motion carried (voting recorded as yes by Eric Estott, Moore and other members present).

Why it matters: The city must sign grant paperwork as the applicant/fiduciary to make CDBG funds available to a private employer. The board’s letter is a zoning confirmation required by the state grant process and enables the city to proceed with the formal CDBG application.

The board directed staff to finalize the letter and have the incoming chair sign it when she is available.