CANTON—At the selectmen’s meeting on Feb. 11, Fire Chief Shane Gallant stated that every winter the electric bill at the fire station seems to jump roughly $150 a month.
After checking the refrigerators and the three fairly new freezers in the food pantry, the department discovered that the problem is the building’s lighting. They are looking into upgrading to LED lighting and putting the lights on a timer.
Gallant said “If we had to replace all the lights we’re looking at $360 per light and there are nine lights on the building.” The lights don’t have to be replaced all at once, he added, “but it would be beneficial to do the front of the building for any emergencies and the side of the building where the town office and fire station share a parking lot.”
He also noted that no decisions have been made yet, and that he was just trying to get some direction from the board, since the fire station and the town office buildings are consolidated.
The board also appointed Larry Wright as Town Sexton. Donald Hutchins, Chairman of the Board, said the appointment is for a one year term.
Road postings were also discussed and Hutchins advised road foreman Paul McKenna to “do it when you think it is prudent.” He also said “Everyone should remember that when it gets over 32 degrees in the morning people can haul over posted roads.”
The RSU 10 withdrawal committee’s public hearing went well and had a moderate turnout, Hutchins also said. Co-Chairman Brian Keene said the town vote regarding withdrawal from RSU 10 will be on Nov. 11, with two items to vote on: “One [question] will be voting yes or no for withdrawal and the second question will be for reformation.”
Hutchins said that all four towns, Canton, Cathage, Dixfield and Peru, have to vote yes for the withdrawal to go through, and “If one town votes it down, it all stops.”
Representatives of Senator Susan Collins will be visiting at the town office this Wednesday, Feb. 17.
mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net
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