SABATTUS — The Board of Selectmen discussed concerns about a construction project on Pleasant Hill Road on Tuesday night.
Town Manager Tony Ward said while the height of the road has been adjusted, he and Police Chief Gary Baillargeon are concerned about the curvature because it now looks like a raceway.
Other residents expressed concerns about the lack of space when turning into the transfer station and poor visibility when turning from the facility.
Because the project is state-funded, the town has limited decision-making, Ward said. He and other members of the board will continue to attend weekly meetings with the Maine Department of Transportation and Crooker Construction.
Selectman JP Curran asked Ward to contact state Rep. Steve Wood about the matter. Town officials will survey the project once it’s finished and will be able to voice their opinions.
In other business:
* Ward has started working with Code Enforcement Officer Dennis Douglass on obtaining estimates to demolish the Webster Mill. Part of the river runs underneath the mill which could be an environmental concern, Ward said. Removing asbestos is another contributing cost. Once the board decides on a plan, the town will research grants or alternative funding to help with the costs. The project is still in its early phases, and a committee will be formed as the process continues.
* The board discussed setting a spending amount for paving and sealing roads for fiscal year 2017. Ward recommended that $176,000 in restricted excise tax revenue be used.
Selectman Michelle Ames was hesitant to allocate any funding before having information on the condition of the roads in town. She asked whether sealing some of these surfaces would be more economical than paving.
Road Foreman Gary Labonte will compile a list of affected roads and present it to the board within the next month.
* Selectman Guy Desjardins asked Ward to research how the community handles nuisance non-domestic animal problems, because the animal control officer is not equipped to do so. Desjardins asked if there is a way to offset the costs associated with these situations. Ward said he would follow up on this.
* The board signed a quitclaim deed releasing the town’s interest in a foreclosed property at 0 Emily Drive. William Waterman won the bid on this property earlier this month.
* The Town Office will be closed Thursday, June 30, for year-end processing.
* Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, for the Regional School Unit 4 school budget referendum vote.
The board’s next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5.
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