The Canton Board of Selectmen were told Wednesday night that the town had been approved for snow removal costs incurred in the severe snow storm of December 6 and 7, 2003. The federal funding amount is $3,288.52 and the state funding amount is $1,054.01 making a total of $4,342.53.

An anonymous donation of $10,000 has been received by the town for the proposed fire station. This will be taken from the town’s matching fund obligation of $50,000 making the matching funds now $40,000.

The selectmen also received a check for $210 from the children in St. Joseph’s Elementary School for flood expenses. Selectman Jackie Conant suggested it be given to Canton Elementary to replace damaged books, etc.

In other news, Road Commissioner Craig Gammon reported he was having difficulties with Ralph Sayer on Keene Road. Mr. Sayer alleges that the daily milk truck is having trouble with the thawing gravel on the road. The town has received no complaints.

Gammon reports that he put ample gravel on the road last year and it was in good condition. Sayer has apparently taken several inches of gravel from the center of the road and piled it into the ditch. Selectman Wally Haynes said he would contact Sayer and see what the situation was as he had heard no complaints.

Dam owner Raymond Fortier voiced complaints over docks on his property. He claims ownership to the center of the brook leaving Canton Lake and that the docks are actually on his property. He says the docks are being left year round and this is not legal. Shoreland Zoning says the docks can only be in the water 7 months out of the year. He claims the docks had to be grandfathered before 1968 and he is certain these were not. Haynes said he would contact previous owners of the property in question and find out what he can.

Town Manager Kathy Hutchins gave selectmen the 2003 recycling report which says the town only showed 23.33 percent recycling.

A flashing red light at the intersection of routes 108 and 140 in the center of town is about to become a reality. They expect the Department of Transportation to install it in April. It is hoped that this will cut down on accidents at this intersection.

The board appointed Sue DeGroot to the Planning Board.

Hutchins reported to the board that county taxes for the town will increase $1,089 for 2004.

It was announced that a public hearing on the school referendum on the merger will be Tuesday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m. and the vote will take place on April 7.

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