STRONG — Several town cemeteries are in need of significant repair, and selectmen have begun the process of addressing the problems.
At the Tuesday night meeting, Selectman Joan Reed said she would gather data on the number and locations of deteriorated and overturned stones that need to be righted and cleaned.
The town used to have a Cemetery Committee that oversaw more complex projects, but that group has disbanded. Selectmen now are tasked with that job and have hired seasonal workers for basic landscape care, including mowing and trash removal.
Two cemetery trust funds have available money, Reed said, but selectmen have to prepare a plan and a budget before starting the work. Also, cemeteries on True Hill, Taylor Hill Road and Route 4 either have no access or limited access. Reed will report her findings and recommendations at a future meeting.
Selectmen reviewed a suggestion by Selectman Mike Pond that taxpayers be asked for a small fund to pay for flowers if an employee’s family member dies. Recently, one employee’s father-in-law passed away, and selectmen had discussed whether they should contribute to sending a bouquet. Pond suggested a more formal policy should be in place and that taxpayers might be willing to support the idea with funding.
“It’s a show of respect,” he said.
He will write the warrant article to present to voters at the March 2015 town meeting, requesting a sum of money. Not all selectmen agreed that the sentiment of sympathy should be paid for with town funds.
“I don’t think it’s an appropriate use of tax dollars,” Selectman Milt Baston said.
Another agenda item addressed the recurring request at past town meetings to find ways to cut streetlight costs.
“Every year, someone says at town meeting we haven’t done our homework on streetlights,” board Chairman Jim Burrill said.
The cost for electricity per bulb is $8 to $12 per month, Burrill said, but the bulb wattage varies. Selectman Mike Carleton offered to help Burrill with a survey of the location and number of lights they use in town.
In other news:
* Pond said he has received positive comments about the new float at Beanie’s Beach on Porter Lake. The town will offer swimming lessons at the beach. Students who attend Strong Elementary School will not pay a fee, but those children enrolling as residents from other towns will pay a modest fee. More information is available at the Strong Town Office.
* Fire Department employee Aaron Marden announced to selectmen that the Maine Municipal Association has awarded the Fire Department $4,000 for air-pack bottles and gear.
Marden said Franklin Savings Bank and the state awarded funding, and he has written six other grants. His goal is to get $21,000 in funding for Fire Department equipment.
“I’m going to do everything I can to help,” Marden said. “It’s truly an honor to be part of the Strong Fire Department.”
He said townspeople could help support the department by coming to the Friday afternoon and evening chicken barbecue on Friday, June 27.
* Selectmen approved placing a dunk tank on the Forster Memorial Building property as part of the Friday entertainment planned for the Pierpole Days celebration.
A 6 p.m. parade down Main Street will feature the 15th Alabama Regiment re-enactors, a 21-gun salute at the veterans’ memorial, the Kora Krazy Kops, bagpipers and drummers, the Old Crow Band, a book and bake sale at the public library, a pig roast at Beal’s Store and music at the White Elephant.
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