By Mary Standard,Special to the Sun Journal

BUCKFIELD – “I wonder what’s the problem with the Planning Board,” selectmen’s Chairman Oscar Gammon said Tuesday night after receiving the second resignation in a few weeks.

Town Manager Glen Holmes read the letter from Margot Siekman. Joanne Bly resigned last month.

“I hate to see these people resign from the board,” Gammon continued.

Holmes said Bly had personal reasons for resigning, and Siekman cited personal reasons and no longer felt comfortable on the board. Gammon moved to accept the resignation with regret and it was approved.

Selectmen also received the news that the chairlift to the second floor had broken. Holmes informed the board that parts were out of date, so they would basically have to remake the innards of the lift. After much discussion, the board voted to authorize Holmes to take the needed $5,000 from the emergency fund and proceed with repairs.

SAD 39 rents the second floor, and Superintendent Colpitts said he would try to find some money to help as well. Though the lift is rarely used, it is required by the state for handicapped access. Holmes estimated it would take two weeks to get the parts.

Dick Piper’s proposal to build a nursing home in Buckfield was rejected.

Holmes said the state was not issuing any more permits for nursing home facilities because the state had reached its maximum number of beds allowed based on population.

Holmes gave an update on the next regionalization meeting Jan. 18. He said representatives from the state would be present to discuss road issues, and he hoped to have a draft to give to the Department of Transportation concerning Route 140.