TURNER — Suggestions on supervising the use of the transfer station were made by selectmen Monday night.
Town Manager Kurt Schaub said station expenses are increasing.
There is concern about its overuse, specifically by businesses and contractors. The board agreed that enforcing the rule about businesses and contractors using the station was not easy.
Concern was also raised after a resident was recently seen disposing of a 20-foot trailer full of furniture.
Selectmen Chairman Kurt Youland suggested a three-tier system for using the station:
* Display a windshield sticker authenticating residency.
* If no sticker is available, provide evidence of Turner residency.
* If no residency proof is available, go to the Town Office and purchase a ticket to be presented at the transfer station before disposing of items.
Selectman Angelo Terreri preferred issuing residents a coupon booklet, allowing them to dispose of a given amount of items for free, and paying a fee once coupons are all used.
There is a new video monitoring system operating at the station that allows workers to view most of the station from inside the shack. Youland suggested adding a loudspeaker so workers could address users.
In other business Monday, Youland suggested that a small park be designed as a permanent home for the Turner Town Bicentennial Bell. He said granite posts and wrought-iron fencing could be installed around it to control access.
The original brass bell was purchased in 1988 for $1,900 to commemorate the town’s 200th birthday. It was stolen over two years ago and a 24-inch, 350-pound one was made in Britain and recently delivered.
Another topic Monday was a construction project underway at Big Bear Lane, where there are possible drainage issues. According to Schaub, Road Commissioner Roger Williams and engineer Robert Prue inspected the site on Monday. Prue will submit a report with recommended solutions.
The annual Christmas tree lighting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1. Santa and the a capella group Hornets in Harmony will be in attendance. The bicentennial bell will be on display and treats and gifts will be distributed.
Residents will also have an opportunity to have breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec., 5, at the Boofy Quimby Memorial Center. The menu will include scrambled eggs, sausage and pastries for $5 per adult and $3 per child.
The next selectmen meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at the Town Office.
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