NORWAY – Water constantly dripped into three plastic wastebaskets making hollow, plopping sounds.

Two ceiling tiles fell, one missing Town Manager David Holt by less than a foot.

But, Norway selectmen pushed on Thursday night.

Distraction caused by a leaky conference room ceiling didn’t deter them from pursuing an agenda covering junkyards, a police cruiser purchase and a new storm parking system.

They also talked about the leaky roof.

Code Enforcement Officer Jeffrey VanDecker said he inspected property of Levi Libbey at 249 Shedd Road and Aaron Fuda, 57 McKay Road, which he previously cited for being in violation of state junkyard regulations.

VanDecker said Libbey improved his property and was no longer in violation.

Fuda still had problems.

VanDecker said Fuda had removed some of the tires on his property, three of the vehicles and buses were registered as antiques.

It was progress, but not enough, according to VanDecker. He could not give an exact count, but prior to the snowstorm he saw more vehicles and household appliances there.

Holt said he was familiar with antique vehicle registration and those buses seemed to stretch the definition of antique.

Selectman George W. Tibbetts Jr. suggested that Fuda be given an extension because he complied in part with the cleanup order.

Selectman Robert Walker asked abutters Jerry Gisler and Francis Moxcey if it was reasonable to extend Fuda’s deadline for clearing the property to May 1. This would give Fuda a chance to return from Florida and the snow to melt.

The abutters agreed and selectmen instructed VanDecker to notify Fuda of the extension with the provision that if he cannot make the new deadline he had to meet with selectmen, VanDecker and the abutters to lay out a new plan.

Selectmen approved a bid to purchase a 2003 Chevrolet Impala police cruiser from Viking Motors for $19,116, plus an extended service contract for $3,640. Viking Motors was $28 higher than Augusta Chevrolet, but selectmen felt it would cost more than that to drive up there and get the car.

Police Chief Tim Richards said he had been pleased with the service Viking has provided on another vehicle.

Holt told selectmen that beginning Friday a red and a blue sign would be put up in the Fare Share Market parking lot and the parking lot adjacent to L.F. Pike & Son. Parking during snowstorms will only be allowed in half of the lot to facilitate snow removal. Holt said instructions on the sign will state which half to park on.

VanDecker explained that the leaky conference room roof was caused by snow that blew into the gable vents, and he expected there could be an “attic full of snow.”

Selectmen agreed nothing could be done until the area dried out and damage could be assessed. They expected to put the repairs in the 2004 budget.

They also agreed to put a warrant in asking for approximately $13,500 to cover roof work at the entrance to the police department.

jsmedley@sunjournal.com

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