TURNER — Selectmen on Monday tabled a proposal for a town Safety Committee and approved a proposal for soliciting bids for grounds maintenance.
Turner Rescue Chief Toby Martin submitted a model plan for a Safety Committee.
Selectman Ralph Caldwell questioned the necessity of it, but Martin, Town Manager Kurt Schaub and Selectman Angelo Terreri said a committee would be beneficial in controlling paperwork and maintaining a more consistent approach to safety.
Each town department has its own policies on safety, but, Martin said, many policies overlap and it would be advantageous to combine them.
The board, operating without Chairman Kurt Youland, decided to postpone a decision until the next meeting. Terreri conducted the meeting in Youland’s absence.
Schaub submitted a draft bid proposal for grounds maintenance for 2015 which includes mowing ball fields, cemeteries, the Town Office property and the old landfill. The board approved it.
Bids will be accepted until 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. Selectmen will review them and award the winning contract at their meeting that night.
Schaub reported that the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages had denied the town’s request to allow an additional agency liquor license in Turner, submitted on behalf of Bryant’s Airport Variety. It was noted that a bill is pending in the Legislature to increase the number of licenses available in smaller communities. No additional action by the town has been requested.
Schaub has submitted a formal request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for financial assistance for the effects of the blizzard Jan. 27-29. He said he anticipates a reimbursement of $22,078.
Rescue Chief Martin made a plea to the board for more consideration of his capital improvement budget in future budget deliberations. The council trimmed his department’s budget recommendation this year. He told selectmen his capital plan was designed to lessen the tax impact of needed equipment purchases and upgrades in the near future.
Resident Rachel Pack brought a request before the board to use the Boofy Quimby Memorial Center for a fundraiser for a child with spina bifida who needs an exercise bike that costs $1,500. The child uses a wheelchair. The board approved the request and Martin offered to help in the effort.
Resident Eugene Jordan brought a tax grievance before the board, saying he is taxed for outbuildings that are no longer on his property. After discussions with Schaub and the board, it was agreed to have the assessor visit the property. Jordan said he would contact the town when he is ready for an inspection.
The annual town election is from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the Town Office. Voters will elect two selectmen, two School Administrative District 52 directors and two Budget Committee members, all for three years.
The annual town meeting will continue at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Boofy Quimby Memorial Center.
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