KINGFIELD - - Members from a group calling themselves the Kingfield Downtown Revitalization Committee were heard at the selectmen's meeting on Monday, May 4.

The group's desire was to become an official advisory committee to the town. Selectmen Neal McCurdy questioned if this group was different from past groups, namely Kingfield Business Alliance or Mt. Abram Economic Development Association.

From the newly formed group, Cindy Gilmore said much of their objectives are similar, but it's an entirely new committee. A paper was circulated describing some of the group's goals and objectives.

Selectman chair Heather Moody said she was hopeful that at least half of the members were residents of Kingfield. "It's my understanding that only half of this group are Kingfield residents," Moody spoke of the committee, "but I would like to keep it at least one half Kingfield residents," she explained.

Freeman resident Bill Gilmore said it's the willingness of a group of people who are trying to put some energy into something. This is regardless of where they live, vote or work. As a volunteer group nothing is guaranteed, he said. "If you don't have that fire in your gut, nothing ever happens," Gilmore said, and more then ever this core group is trying to bring ideas to this community. He also explained that any expenses would have to be accepted by town voters.

Expenses such as the possibility of new downtown sidewalks and parking areas would come as a vote of the residents, he explained.

"I would have to say, that everyone on this list has a vested interest in improving Kingfield, whether they're a registered voter or not," Selectman Merv Wilson said.

"What I would not like to see is a full committee of non-residents, this is my only point," Moody stressed.

Moody made it clear that she appreciated the committee coming forward and the ideas that they had, but she was cautious that there was not a town board of overwhelming non-resident members.

With that said, board members unanimously approved the group as an official town advisory committee.

Moody encouraged the group to keep a "bluebook" with committee representative names and other information at the town office similar to the way that the recreation committee and other town appointed boards operate.

Gilmore then informed the group of one of the projects they have interest in. He explained that Kingfield resident David Holmes came to the revitalization committee with an idea to recreate the first mill established in Kingfield as a landmark and in honor of the town's heritage.

Holmes and others managed to save the historical grist mill, which was housed in a Depot Street building and wanted to showcase the equipment in a new 16-by-16-foot building. This building would be a benchmark of Kingfield's history and located on or near the original first mill in Kingfield along the Carrabassett River. This is where the very first waterwheel powered mill was located in the beginning of Kingfield's history. The exact location was not identified, but it was near the dam in the downtown area along the right of way behind a block of building starting with Longfellow's Restaurant. Much of that foundation may be still standing today.

Board members showed their interest in the project and acknowledged other projects being considered near this location including the possibility of hydropower. Moody encouraged Gilmore to find out more information about the project and return to the board. This was not a green light to proceed, she explained at that point, but rather an expression of the board's interest in what they were trying to accomplish. More information about this project is certain to surface in the future.

Revitalization committee member Julie Swain said she spoke to AVCOG which told her that this project does fall within the state scenic byway boundaries and could potentially be a subject for funding under that program.

In other business, Moody said she's met with the town's health officer and talked with school nurses regarding the potential of a H1N1 virus outbreak. She said that no cases have been identified at this time, but if a pandemic declaration is launched, that residents, for a matter of record, should not congregate for public meetings in town.

As of last Friday, 13 cases in Maine have been identified.

In one of the last orders of business on the agenda, member accepted a liquor license renewal for Nostalgia Tavern.

Members reviewed some bids for improvements to Commercial Road which was not identified as an agenda item. Members reviewed the submitted bids and said they need Road Commissioner Bruce White to present the board a comprehensive plan of what the project includes at the next meeting. Board members expressed that they would like to see one plan or a drawing so that competitive bids can take place.

Moody also said that abutters need to be notified of the future discussion involving these improvements and be invited to attend the next meeting.

Members then went into executive session to discuss a Simmons Fund request and two personnel matters.