TURNER — Select Board members voted Monday to close the swap shop at the waste transfer station after getting complaints that items were being thrown out shortly after being placed in the shed.

The swap shop originally was run on a volunteer basis, but there have not been consistent people in recent years, requiring transfer station staff to operate it, board member Kevin Nichols said.

Town Manager Kurt Schaub said he wants people to pay attention to the rules listed on the sign on the shop door.

Facility Manager Pam Sullivan arrived to the meeting right after the board voted to close it. Though there are some who misuse the swap shop, she would like to see it remain open because many people use it the right way, she said. Sullivan was going to suggest that it be closed over the winter.

Select Board members Nichols, Steve Maheu and Warren Hood voted to close it, while Angelo Terreri opposed. Chairman Kurt Youland suggested the board could consider reopening it around March 15.

In other business, the board did not consider the request from Glenvale Solar to create a tax increment financing district for its 190-acre project on Ledgeview Drive. In a community survey administered in the town while the Comprehensive Plan was being developed, residents indicated opposition to incentives for economic development, Schaub said.

A TIF district allows towns to keep a certain amount of taxes from a large project or defined area in town to use for economic development purposes.

The board also discussed a tri-town selectmen dinner with officials from Greene and Leeds, along with Maine School Administrative District 52 officials. They will meet Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. to discuss law enforcement patrolling along state routes 4 and 202, waste disposal and hauling, and upcoming school budget.

filed under: