SUMNER - Voters approved development of a greenhouse and landscaping business, Reen's Greens, by Maureen and Gary Searles at 377 Redding Road.

After the vote at the special meeting, Selectman Mark Silber reported on recent meetings of a committee formed to investigate the possibility of developing wind or solar power to help towns with soaring energy bills.

Silber said that though Buckfield has suitable sites, the town doesn't own them. He said Sumner owns 130 acres off Redding Road, which is suitable, and there are other privately owned sites.

Asked where the $2.5 million for constructing windmills would come from, Silber said possibly investors, bonds, power companies or private individuals. He said currently there are no grants available for wind power, but there are for pursuing solar power.

In other business:

• Silber suggested the board investigate moving the town scholarship funds to get higher interest and the board agreed.

• Road Commissioner Jim Keach said he had swept the intersections on town roads and graded the public easements.

• Selectman Glen Hinkley was given the OK to repair the fence at the Black Mountain Cemetery.

• In a discussion about minor damage to the firehouse from the snow plowing contractor, approval was given for the town to go ahead with repairs because the contractor had not responded to requests to do so. The town will seek another contractor for next winter.

• The board voted to authorize fire Chief Bob Stewart to sell an old firetruck for scrap metal.