Issue: Several residents, including Amy Therrien, wife of firefighter Donald Therrien, have started a movement to recall Board of Selectmen Chairman William Henshaw. They claim that Henshaw has neglected residents’ safety. But former board member Steve Wood disputed the charge, saying that Henshaw has done a good job. Budget committee member Amedeo Lauria agreed, noting that the Fire Department’s budget has increased by $24,000 under Henshaw. Therrien said the increase primarily is a boost in compensation for department members. Henshaw agreed to meet with Amy Therrien to discuss the situation and try to resolve their differences.

Roads position changes, new boss hired

The Scoop: Board members have changed the road commissioner’s post from a part-time elected job to a full-time hired one. After accepting acting commissioner Gary LaBonte’s resignation, the board then hired John Hyde of Bowdoin as the new road commissioner.

DPW urged to take lowest repair bids

The Issue: With so much equipment needing repair, the Department of Public Works has been outsourcing some of the work. But resident Kenneth Spencer was concerned that the town was paying too much for the services. He wants the town to set a policy that only the lowest bidders would receive work, and that at least two bids would be solicited. Board members said they would consider the request.

Board faces pay cut

The Issue: The Board of Selectmen may face a pay cut when a new town manager is hired.

The Scoop: Budget Committee member Amedeo Lauria said board members’ annual salary of $6,000 will be reviewed during the committee’s April 17 meeting. Applications for the manager’s job are due today and scheduled for committee review next week, according to Bill Fessenden, chairman of the search committee. Fessenden said he hopes to have a nominee by May 1, with a projected starting date of July 1.

Water quality public meeting on April 25

The Issue: A county and state grant has been received to improve the water quality of Sabattus Pond and its watershed. A steering committee is being formed to manage the improvement process. Twelve participating residences are required for the program.

The Scoop: Androscoggin Valley Soil & Water Conservation District and the Sabattus Pond Watershed Partnership have received a grant to reduce contaminants draining into Sabattus Pond from public and private roads and properties. The grant provides free technical assistance to interested property owners, as well as some money to offset installation of conservation practices. But at least 12 sites are required to meet grant requirements.

Up next: A public meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 25 at Sabattus Town Hall to discuss the grant. Contact Donna Childs at [email protected] to volunteer for the steering committee.