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Selectmen move to add easement for Penn Rhodeen’s OBD pipe under Indian Point Road
Summary
After discussion about liability and town culvert capacity, the Selectmen approved a motion to include an easement for Penn Rhodeen’s on-site discharge (OBD) pipe under Indian Point Road, with specifications and constraints; the motion passed 3–1–1.
Property owner Penn Rhodeen raised a question with the Selectmen about routing his OBD (on-site discharge) pipe through the town culvert under Indian Point Road. Town staff and Selectmen expressed concern that routing private discharge through a town culvert could create maintenance and liability risks if the pipe or culvert plugs or fails.
At the Nov. 16 meeting the Selectmen voted to add an easement for Rhodeen’s OBD pipe under Indian Point Road with necessary road-cut specifications to meet town standards. The motion (moved by Selectman Evelyn Duncan, seconded by Travis Fifield) passed 3–1–1; Donna Brewer opposed and John Steed abstained. The board discussed that abutter easements and legal clearance would be needed and that a town-meeting vote might be required depending on the final easement language and deed work.
Town Manager Kathleen Billings-Pezaris said staff will follow up with the owner’s counsel and with Maine Municipal Association for guidance; the Selectmen directed staff to ensure any work is at the owner’s expense and that the town’s liability be limited in writing.
The board’s action created a path toward permitting a private discharge to cross under a town road, but it left open final legal steps including confirming abutter easements and specifying maintenance responsibilities in recorded documents.
