HARTFORD – The Comprehensive Plan committee at its second public hearing recently discussed a capital investment plan, transportation/roads, education and review of ordinances. Examples from the public favored adding an administrative ordinance to address job description, expectancy and obligations for all elected officials and appointed personnel, volunteers, boards and committees. An occupancy permit was suggested to have safety checks before people are allowed to occupy a new building.

Judy Hamilton, chairwoman of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, is concerned that the Comprehensive Plan be completed before January 2008 because the state criteria will change.

The state is planning to localize the reviewing process more to involve Androscoggin Valley Council on Governments, for example. Hamilton said several more public hearings are to be scheduled.

Invitation to residents

BUCKFIELD – The Emergency Management Committee for Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner met recently and agreed to send postcards to residents of the three towns encouraging them to sign up for free Community Emergency Response Team training in April.

The two-day course prepares participants to take care of themselves, their family and their neighbors in an emergency. Graduates receive a backpack full of emergency equipment to keep in their homes or cars.

Assistant needed

HARTFORD – The town is looking for an assistant to the Emergency Management director. Since the director serves three towns, a local person is needed to assist.

Allen Hill Animal Shelter sent a notice to the board that the cost of leaving cats at the shelter will increase from $15 to $25. Selectman Hope McCabe is researching the cost at other shelters.

Michael Burdick was appointed to the waste committee for one year.

Hearing on marijuana

SUMNER – There will be an informational hearing on the citizen-initiated petition for an ordinance to make adult marijuana-related offenses the lowest law enforcement priority in the town. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at the Hartford-Sumner Elementary cafeteria.

Project Graduation

BUCKFIELD – A father-daughter dance will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at the Buckfield High School Auditorium. Family viewing is from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the Hartford-Sumner school office.

by Mary Standard