LIVERMORE FALLS — The front roof overhang at the Fire Station isn’t safe, said Interim Town Manager Stephen J. Gould at Tuesday’s selectmen meeting.
He noted it was poorly attached to hollow concrete blocks. Bracing has been put on it to stabilize it and a gasket placed around the roof.
The contractor, H.E. Callahan, had recommended capping the overhang to prevent water damage, Gould said.
“If we leave it the way it is, the water’s going to go behind the bricks and bust everything,” he said.
Gould added that if the roof can’t be secured further, he wanted to see it replaced with something safer.
On Monday, Nov. 13, the Town Office furnace failed because of an electrical malfunction. Gould said a new electrical part was put in to fix it.
He wondered if the town could save money with a smaller, newer system. Former Selectman Ron Chadwick recalled that the boiler had been installed sometime in the 1990s.
Selectmen discussed whether the town should switch from oil to propane heat. They noted propane prices were considerably cheaper.
However, said Selectman Tom Barker, he had talked to an oil burner technician, who said propane didn’t carry as much heat.
Selectman George Cummings suggested a tape recorder or a secretary to record the meeting minutes. Gould is currently taking the minutes.
“As the meeting goes along, and you’re trying to keep up with it, it’s impossible,” Cummings said.
Chairwoman Heather Bronish cautioned that the duty would require overtime pay or comp time for a town employee. Chadwick suggested a Spruce Mountain High School student studying business could do it as an internship.
In other business, selectmen:
• Voted to table the Nov. 14 meeting minutes at Barker’s request, pending review by the Maine Municipal Association and the town’s insurance carrier.
• Signed a liquor license for the Chuck Wagon Restaurant.
bmatulaitis@sunmediagroup.net
Livermore Falls Town Office. (File photo)
Send questions/comments to the editors.
