HARTFORD — Selectmen on Thursday reviewed six applications for a maintenance-person job and will interview several people before the next meeting.
Bob Berry previously held the position.
Ramsey Ludlow asked the board why officials didn’t turn Gurney Hill Road where she lives back to gravel, because its more economical to maintain than patching asphalt.
Selectman Jack Plumley had a different view. He said gravel roads are not less expensive and, in fact, could be more expensive.
Ludlow said the roads had never been crowned properly and the only places that were washed out were on tarred sections. She said the gravel parts were fine and questioned the road commissioner’s credibility, even suggesting that he be recalled.
Road Commissioner Jeremy Johnson was not present at the discussion.
Ludlow was concerned that all roads were being assessed the same and said not all roads should be gravel, but definitely some should be turned back to gravel.
Plumley said he had to consider the traffic load of the road before deciding what it needed. In defense of Johnson, Plumley said he had to do the best he could with the resources he has.
Ludlow also commented on the possible move of the transfer station. She said she wanted to see a plan.
Selectman Lee Holman suggested the board might need an ad hoc committee to study whether or not to move the transfer station and if so, where that would be.
Plumley also discussed selling the timber from the old transfer station site and then selling the land.
Holman said this had not been discussed by the board.
Several members of the Budget Committee were present to see what action the board would take on the overdrafts for summer and winter roads. It was decided to take money from the Contingency Fund for the overdrafts.
Other overdrafts could come from the fund balance, as voted at the annual town meeting.
Registration for swimming lessons will start July 16 at the Hartford beach for children from Hartford, Sumner and Buckfield. Registration will be held at noon.
Lessons will run until July 27. The cost is $20 per child, or $15 if more than one child is taking lessons.
Lee Holman was re-elected chairman of board for the coming year.
HARTFORD – The town is looking to fill the maintenance person postition due to the passing of Bob Berry, the former maintenance person.
The Board reviewed six applications, pulling out several to hold interviews with before their next meeting.
Citizen Ramsey Ludlow raised several concerns over road maintenance, especially on Guerney HIll Road where she lives. Ludlow’s contention was that gravel roads were much more efficient so why didn’t they turn Gurney HIll back to gravel rather than spending money on cold patch.
Selectman Jack Plumley had a different view. He said gravel roads were not any cheaper and could be more expensive. Ludlow said the roads had never been crowned properly and the only places where there was washing out was on the tarred sections. She said the gravel parts were fine and questioned the road commissioners credibility, even suggesting that he be recalled.
The Road commissioner, Jeremy Johnson was not present at the time of the discussion. Ludlow was concerned that all roads were being assessed the same. She said that not all roads should be gravel, but definitely some of them should be turned back to gravel.
PLumley said the had to consider the traffic load of the road before deciding what it needed. In defense of Johnson, Plumley said he had to work with the funds available and do the best he could with what he had to work with.
Ludlow was also verbal about the possible move of the transfer station. She wanted to see a site plan and offered to do anything she could. Selectman Lee Holman suggested they might need an Ad Hoc committee to study whether or not to move the transfer station and if so, where would that be. PLumley also discussed selling the timber from the old transfer station site and then selling the land.
Holman said, this had not been discussed by the board.
Several members of the Budget Committee were present to see what action the Board would take on the overdrafts for summer and winter roads. IT was decided to take the summer roads shortage from the Contingency Fund and some of the winter roads from the same fund. Other shortage amounts could come from the Fund Balance as voted at the annual town meeting. The Budget committee was also concerned about funds for fire coverage.
Registration for Swimming lessons will start on July 16 at the Hartford beach for children from Hartford, Sumner and Buckfield. Sign up at the beach from !2:00 noon. Lessons will run until July 27. The cost is $20.00 per child or $15.00 if more than one child is taking lessons.
Lee Holman was re-elected chairman of the select board for the coming year.
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