POLAND — Town Manager Matt Garside told the Select Board on Tuesday night that about one-third of the planned expansion of the Ricker Memorial Library has to be reduced after voters turned down $550,000 in additional funding June 13.
Last year an $850,000 bond had been approved to expand the library, but it was later learned that a new heating and cooling system had to be installed throughout the building to meet code requirements.
The library was built in 1963.
The $550,000 additional amount that voters were asked to consider was the estimated cost for the new HVAC system.
Garside said architect Michel Giasson is still upbeat about the renovation project and is working on what features can be cut from the original plan.
Garside added the town will “proceed cautiously” and respect voters’ decision.
In other business, the board authorized Garside to sign a contract with the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office to continue providing 24-hour coverage.
The funds for the contract were approved by voters June 13.
The Select Board also adopted a new fee schedule effective July 1.
The most significant changes involved new residential and commercial construction.
Building permit fees will be based on the amount of square footage and not cost of work.
Fees for alterations and renovations will be based on cost.
Following a public hearing, the Select Board approved a liquor license for Wolf Cove Inn on Tripp Lake. The new owners are Geoff and Nicole Skidmore.
The Select Board also approved the following appointments: John Young was reappointed to the Conservation Commission; Cheryl Skilling was reappointed to the Planning Board; and Heather Ryan was appointed as a new member of the Planning Board.
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