BUCKFIELD – Selectmen worked painstakingly through their original 1997 specifications for the Buckfield municipal landscaping project at a workshop on Saturday.

Every phase of the specifications, which were drawn up originally by Anthony Muench, landscape architect from Portland, was considered by the board and revisions were made. These revisions will be resubmitted by Town Manager Glen Holmes before the specifications are sent out to bid. Holmes hopes to see this phase of the project move quickly.

At the town meeting in June 2004, the town approved borrowing up to $107,500 to fund the project. The establishment of a reserve account for the project was approved at the 1997 town meeting. With an annual deposit of $7,500, the current value is just under $52,000.

The cost of the project has been estimated at $83,000 for excavation and drainage; $51,500 for paving, curbing and striping; $25,000 for lighting; with a total cost estimate of $159,500.

The landscaping project includes creating a common or green space in front of the center that will be landscaped with trees, shrubs and flowers.

A turnaround with handicapped parking will be at the rear of the Municipal Center building, where there is currently a handicap ramp.

There will be quick-access parking in the right front of the building for 15 minute parallel parking. There will be upwards of 80 parking spaces included in the project that will accommodate not only the needs of the Municipal Center but those of the adjacent Baptist Church and patrons of downtown businesses.

There will be a new road built at the rear of the center to access the football field behind the building. The road accessing the field at the rear of the firehouse will be closed.

Discussions were held on what trees would remain and which ones needed to be removed. It was the consensus of the board to save all that were possible and remove those with damage and disease.

Holmes said he would contact the town Beautification Committee to confirm its plans for contributions and work before submitting the final specifications. Resident Jerry Wiley was present at the workshop to contribute his expertise as a retired engineer.