Board OKs working toward new sports announcer tower

DIXFIELD — Selectmen on Monday night gave the green light for Dirigo High School coach Mark Thompson to work toward construction of a new announcer's tower at the school football field.

Thompson must now discuss his plans with Western Foothills School District Superintendent Tom Ward and the district's buildings and grounds director, Kenny Robbins.

Because the school's athletic fields are on town property, town officials must approve any changes at the site.

Thompson said the current tower is outdated and too small. It would be torn down if a new one is built.

Thompson told the board he wants to construct a larger stand that would accommodate the announcer, timer, coach and sometimes a member of the press. The stand would be near the bleachers. He said he hopes to have the new stand ready for action at the beginning of the high school's 2010 football season. It would be paid for through donations of building materials and money.

In other matters, the board denied a request to purchase a stand-alone radar sign that measures the rate of speed of passing motorists.

Police Chief Richard Pickett has borrowed a similar sign from the Oxford County Sheriff's Office for use in the town during the past few weeks. The starting cost for such a device is $3,300.

The board also heard a concern from resident Dan McKay, who questioned whether town Code Enforcement Officer Calvin Beaumier should sit on the committee that is writing an ordinance that would regulate wind turbine development. Beaumier is not a Dixfield resident and his presence could be a conflict of interest, McKay suggested.

Town Manager Eugene Skibitsky said he is not a member of the committee but an adviser because he knows the land-use laws that would govern such an ordinance.

Selectman Norine Clarke said residents will have a chance to ask questions and make comments when a public hearing is held.

The ordinance is being written because of a proposal by Patriot Renewables LLC of Quincy, Mass., to construct up to 22 turbines on a ridge in Dixfield that includes Colonel Holman Mountain, and Canton Mountain in Canton.

eadams@sunjournal.com