Buckfield: Fence in place

The state-required fence around the old dump site at the Buckfield Sumner Transfer Station is completed, according to Buckfield Town Manager Glen Holmes.

“Signs will be placed on the gates denoting the hours,” he said.

The town is placing boulders between the trees in front to discourage people from dragging their trash to the site after hours.

Holmes said the septic tank is due this week and well-drilling should begin within the next week. The pad for the new building at the site to house a bathroom and universal waste has been excavated.

Maine Department of Transportation is considering a detour on Route 117 to replace culverts. Holmes said the town prefers using North-South Hill Road to get to Route 124, then connect back to Route 117.

Holmes reported that he had met with representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Senators Collins and Snowe, and Rep. Michael Michaud’s office about the possibility of refinancing the Buckfield Village Corp. debt, lowering the interest, or loan forgiveness. The outcome from the discussions was that there is no solution or programs on old debts.

Holmes has been appointed the the SAD 39 Budget Committee.

Sumner: Message to Augusta

Rep.-elect Terry Hayes asked selectmen at a recent meeting, what message they wanted her to take to Augusta.

Selectman Mark Silber replied that taxes and funding for education were the big issues. He said that the state should find more of the educational expenses since the town’s choice shouldn’t be between having passable roads or funding education.

Road Commissioner Jim Keach said she should tell the governor about unfunded mandates.

Resident Thomas Obear complained about the damage done to Damon Road by dump trucks. He said, “Someone made $300 on a job while doing $1,000 worth of damage to the road. If they had waited a few days until the road dried out or froze they wouldn’t have done any damage while now there are 8-inch deep ruts that would probably freeze in and be there all winter.”

Keach said he will try to repair the road while selectmen talk to the contractor and trucker.

Lee Berry, who had agreed to serve as town health officer, was appointed to serve through August 2007.

SAD 39: Expulsion policies eyed

SAD 39 directors recently reviewed policies and procedures related to expulsions with their legal counsel, Dan Rose.

SAD 39 has two violations that must go before the Expulsion Board for smoking on campus and weapons-related charges.

SAD 39 has an average of 12 to 14 expulsion hearings annually.

– Mary Standard