The scoop: Road Manager Arlan Saunders reported that next week Minot and Hebron highway crews will be putting up Minot’s winter sand pile of 4,000 cubic yards and the following week will do Hebron’s sand pile.

The issue: Winter sand piles should be protected from the elements.

The scoop: In three of the past four years, sealants applied to protect the town’s winter sand pile have failed. This year, Saunders will cover sand with a woven tarp at a cost of $3,200. That’s less than the $4,000 for the sealant and, if the tarp lasts a second year, possibly an even better bargain as a means to keep the sand from clumping and salt from leaching out of the pile.

Up next: Consideration is being given for some sort of a permanent structure to provide protection in the long term.

The issue: Before building permits can be issued for lots on a road in a new subdivision, selectmen must receive a letter signed by a licensed engineer certifying that a new road has been built to standards that meet or exceed the requirements for a town-accepted road.

The scoop: After hearing a report from Saunders stating that he considers work on Summit Drive, located in the Verrill Homestead subdivision off Grange Avenue, satisfactorily completed, selectmen told developers Bill and Mark Turner that they will authorize the code enforcement officer to issue building permits upon receipt of an engineer’s letter of certification.

Up next: While selectmen’s actions allow for issuance of building permits, developers must submit “as built” engineering plans for the road and a deed assigning the road to the town before the road can be officially accepted at the March annual town meeting.

The scoop: The town office will be closed Thursday, Oct. 4, in order for office staff to attend Maine Municipal Association training sessions.

The scoop: As Monday, Oct. 8, is a legal holiday (Columbus Day), the board of selectmen’s next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9, in the town office.

– By Winslow Durgin