BUCKFIELD – Selectmen defended their enforcement of junkyard laws Tuesday night in a sometimes hostile environment.

The board is cracking down on violators and is seeking funds to take some residents to court.

On Thursday, March 4, a special town meeting will be held to ask voters for money for legal fees as the first three violators cited by the town remain in violation.

Selectmen remained calm as accusations were made of selective enforcement.

Due to health problems, Allen Young on Shed Hollow Road was unable to be present. He was represented by a son, Allen, from out of town, and son-in-law Joe Brickel. The lengthy discussion of the Young property, which is said to be a hobbyist site, prompted the discussion of hobbyists.

A recent amendment to the state laws exempts “hobbyists” from the regulations. Selectmen read the definition from the statutes that basically states a hobbyist site is an area used to display or modernize vehicles but not sell parts or vehicles.

Brickel contends that Young was singled out. He said the vehicles are out of sight of the road. The property is seven miles out of the village, and Young has been too ill to do any of his work as a hobbyist for a couple of years.

Brickel asked if anyone had seen the 20 or so vehicles.

Town Manager Cindy Dunn said she had inspected the sight by walking in the woods. Brickel asked what right she had to trespass, and Dunn replied that it was her right to inspect property in violation.

Selectman Skip Stanley said when the junkyard law was passed by the state, enforcement started with the places raising the most complaints. No one was singled out, he said, but it was their job as selectmen to enforce the law and that’s what they intend to do.

Mike Miclon, owner of the Oddfellow Theater, said junkyards affected his business because patrons were commenting on having to pass by them to get to the theater. He thinks one property near the theater is unsafe.

“This town is not a dump,” he said, “and I’m glad the ball in beginning to roll. I favor sending a letter to everyone who has three of more unregistered vehicles sitting in their yards.”

Gene Bell spoke of spending lots of money and months of meetings with the Planning Board when he set up a subdivision, and he complied with the town ordinances. He didn’t see why there was a problem with the violators.

Stanley said he wanted to work with Young. He suggested getting rid of the gas tanks in the cars and taking an application for a junkyard.

Dick Piper wanted to know about his rights because Young’s property is above his and he sits on an aquifer. He wanted to know what might be draining into his water from the vehicles.

Roger Bennett and James Bishop also did not attend the meeting, and they have not complied. Until they do, they are in violation and will be taken to court as soon as the selectmen get money for legal fees.

In other business, the two candidates for the Planning Board were so clearly matched that the selectmen drew a name and Roberta Hill was chosen. The selectmen need one more name for the road committee.