Selectman Scott Swain presented two new policies which were adopted Thursday night at the Selectmens meeting. One of the policies requires a quarterly report of the analysis of excise tax collections and these figures will be presented to the Selectmen at the first Board meeting after the end of a quarter.

The other policy concerns purchasing and states that after bids are publicly opened the selectmen will award the bid to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the invitation to bid, will be the most advantageous to the town. If no bids meet this requirement, the selectmen will be empowered to rebid for any and all items.

A policy pertaining to road work was reviewed by the board and Swain plans to send it to Maine Municipal Association to check for legality before presenting it for adoption by the board.

The new policy would attempt to strengthen control of road work costs by putting out to bid all road work for the season. Road Commissioner Alan McNeil was not present as he has said he’s adamantly opposed to such a policy. This brought response from Selectman Lee Holman who voiced her opinion that the road commissioner should be present to give his report at all meetings. Swain said he would have to check the MMA manual to see how much he could ask of a road commissioner.

Swain gave the road report in the absence of McNeil. He said the 911 street signs would begin going up on Monday. Pike Industries is supposed to start tarring Town Farm Road on the Oct. 20 or 21 and a culvert must be replaced on Dakin Lane.

McNeil sent in his Summer Road report with verification of his liability insurance and his vehicle registrations along with his expenses.

Animal Control Officer Lianne Bedard presented a suggestion of dollar amounts to charge for dogs she has to pick up. The selectmen approved a fee of $20 per day for stray dogs. This is split 50 percent with the town. Swain said there were some strays around the office that had to be taken care of immediately.

Selectman Laura Marston reported on the emergency management workshop she attended. She presented workbooks for gathering information to the selectmen. Swain called for a workshop in early November to gather the information needed. FEMA grants are available for emergency funds after the information is compiled. Dave Kraske, former selectman, said in the past 10 years, the ice storm of 1998 and flooding rains had been the only emergencies.

Holman reported on possible grants from the Androscoggin Valley Council on government. There may be areas that qualify for a Community Planning Grant. Scott and Marston will review the qualifications from the material Holman presented and will discuss the possibility at the next meeting.

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, there will be a tax reform regional informational meeting with Maine Municipal Association from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

All community and school officials are urged to attend to hear discussion on Question 1.

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