By Nick P. Angelides,Special to the Sun Journal

SABATTUS – Selectmen voiced concern Tuesday night about Sutherland Pond Road as fill continues to wash away into the woods near road construction areas.

The rain is only partly at fault for the fill that has been washing out; the absence of engineering and proper protocol to ensure the well-being of the environment was also cited, selectmen Chairman Gino Camardese said.

In some spots, more than 20 feet of gravel was washing into the woods toward Sutherland Pond, residents said. This is due in part to the lack of a silt barrier, which is required by the Department of Environmental Protection. At other locations on the road, questions linger on whether the town is paving too far onto abutters’ properties, burying survey marks.

To remedy the problem, selectmen announced that work will cease until the board, road commissioner and involved property owners walk the areas of concern. Road Commissioner James Wood and Foreman Mark Fournier were unable to attend the meeting.

In other business, Town Administrator Tracy Frabrizio announced that Sabattus can now accept passenger and commercial vehicle registrations, re-registrations and transfers during a 60-day probation period.

“We can only do registrations for vehicles up to 9,000 pounds,” Frabrizio said. “Anything more than that and owners will have to go to neighboring towns such as Greene or Lewiston.”

Registrations may be obtained at the town municipal building.

Employees of the town of Sabattus will have the opportunity to receive flu shots on Oct. 24. Although there is no cost to employees, a fee will apply to those who want their family members to receive the shot. Not set cost has yet been determined.

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