TURNER — Selectmen have voted to renew the town’s solid waste contract with Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp. for the next three years unless they can lock in a guaranteed cap increase no greater than 2 percent on a five-year contract.

 

Selectmen on Monday thought the potential increase quoted as 2 to 4 percent per year was not acceptable. They calculated MMWAC’s numbers against ecomaine’s competing offer and eliminated ecomaine based on actual transportation costs. MMWAC’s closer proximity weighed in its favor, with the three-year agreement at $70.50 per ton. 

 

The search for a new Highway Department assistant manager is still underway. Despite advertising efforts, the full-time salaried position with benefits remains empty. The search will continue, since the long-term goal is to raise up a replacement for the current Highway Department manager who intends to vacate the position in about two years.

 

Seven residents have agreed to serve on the Comprehensive Planning Committee. There is room for a few more. Individuals with a keen interest in the future of Turner will have the opportunity to “listen and discuss goals and objectives for the town,” according to Town Manager Kurt Schaub in preparation for an update of the town’s Comprehensive Plan.

 

To be approved by the Board of Selectmen, interested residents should send an email to manager@megalink.net stating why they would like to serve. Residents of Turner voted to update the plan at last year’s town meeting.

 

The board voted unanimously to renew the liquor license for Jeff’s Pub at 1355 Auburn Rd. Schaub said no incidents had been reported.

 

No action was taken on Robert Harlow’s Big Bear Lane bond reduction request. Harlow was not at the meeting. In November, selectmen voted to raise the amount of the performance guarantee for Harlow’s Big Bear Lane construction project from $15,000, currently being held in bond form, to what they feel is a more appropriate amount of $30,000, from which Harlow is requesting relief.

 

The Turner Town Office will close at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, and will be closed all day Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.