OXFORD — Selectmen unanimously agreed Thursday night to move forward on becoming a “Military Friendly Community.”
The designation would show military members that the community actively supports military in part by placing a designated, volunteer point of contact in the community who will be available to direct active and recently honorably discharged military personnel to services they may need.
The decision by selectmen followed a presentation by Sgt. Nathan Grace of the Maine Army National Guard.
“We’re sending a message to veterans they’re welcome here,” said Town Manager Butch Asselin,who is familiar with the program through the town of Houlton, where he served previously as town manager and police chief.
The program, which has been implemented across the nation, can be as little or as big as the community wants it to be. In Houlton, for example, the town has a “Military Friendly Community” sign hanging below the Welcome to Houlton sign as part of its welcome to active military and veterans.
Jim Perkins, an Oxford resident, veteran and retired lieutenant on the Lewiston Police Department, told selectmen that he was so moved by Grace’s presentation that he wished to donate $400 toward a sign. The offer was immediately matched by Selectman Caldwell Jackson.
In other matters, incumbent Scott Hunter and newly elected Selectman Samantha Hewey were sworn into office. Floyd Thayer was elected chairman and Caldwell Jackson was elected vice chairman.
The board also agreed to move forward on a plan to sell the town’s three ambulances which are being replaced by two newer ones at the end of the year. Fire Chief Gary Sacco said the leasing company will provide a “loaner” ambulance within two or three hours should a new one break down and need service. The town will not be left without adequate service, he stressed.
Asselin reported that he and Selectman Ed Knightly will meet with the Department of Transportation Commissioner early next month to see if he will waive the $60,000 contribution the town has been asked to chip in as its portion of the Oxford Casino intersection project on Route 26. The Casino and the state are each putting in $60,000 toward the $180,000 cost.
In other news, the board:
• Appointed Tom Leeman to the Planning Board, which increased the seven member board from four to five.
• Appointed Jon Tibbetts and Pete Laverdiere to the Appeals Board, which increased the seven member board from two to four members.
• Tabled a paving bid for Gore Road until the bid specs can be clarified.
• Tabled a roofing bid until it is properly advertised.
• Signed the annual Local Road Assistance Program document, which will enable the town to receive $61,848 for road maintenance from the state.
Incumbent Scott Hunter and newly-elected Selectman Samantha Hewey were sworn in by Town Clerk Beth Olsen at Thursday night’s Board of Selectmen meeting following their election by voters last week. (Leslie H. Dixon/Advertiser Democrat)
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