DIXFIELD – Selectmen met for the first time Monday night with interim Town Manager John Madigan who also administers neighboring Mexico. This was the board’s annual reorganizational meeting.
Selectmen Tony Carter thanked Madigan for helping to get the town organized in the one week he has served as its town manager.
The boards of Mexico and Dixfield met 10 days ago to work out an arrangement for Madigan to administer both towns while Dixfield continues its search for a permanent town manager. Madigan works a full day on Mondays in Dixfield, and Thursdays in Mexico. He works Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings in Mexico, and afternoons in Dixfield.
Carter said six applications have been received so far for the position. The cut-off date is July 1. The board may also consider continuing with the shared arrangement contingent upon how well sharing an administrator works and the quality of the applicants.
Appointed was Eric Bernier as the town’s newest police officer, returning the force to four officers. Mark Dow and Jeff Howe were reappointed as police officers under Chief Richard Pickett.
Carter, the former vice chairman of the board, was elected its chairman, while former board Chairman Eugene Skibitsky was elected as vice chairman. Welcomed were new Selectmen Bettina Martin and Brenda Turbide.
The board agreed to look into the possibility of revitalizing the Parks Committee following a discussion brought up by Turbide about the poor condition of playground equipment at McGouldrick Park. They directed Madigan to take care of the safety issues and to research the available money for the park’s upkeep.
They also agreed to encourage the revitalization of the Dixfield Economic Development Council.
In other matters, selectmen:
• approved spending $2,578 to replace the telephone system in the town office that was damaged by lightning earlier in the month. Madigan said all but $1,000 will be reimbursed by the town’s insurance.
• voted to hire Keel Hood, Fairfield, to conduct the town’s annual audit at a cost of approximately $2,750.
• authorized American Legion Post No. 100 to establish a war memorial at Greenwood Cemetery.
• authorized Madigan to write a letter of support to the state for a River Valley Growth Council and River Valley Technology Center management grant.
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