Board: Sabattus selectmen

Met: Feb. 19

Storm costs

Scoop: The town’s supply of winter sand is very low, according to Public Works foreman John Hyde. More sand already has been ordered from Glen Dube’s pit. Hyde also warned selectmen that the department likely will exceed its budget for fuel, salt and overtime payroll; board members took the news well, and passed on compliments to the road crew for the job it has done this winter.

Warming shelter

Scoop: An emergency shelter has been set up adjacent to the old animal shelter and stocked with food and other items. Selectmen gave Town Manager Greg Gill permission to have the shelter inspected and certified by the Red Cross, which would make the town eligible for federal funds to keep it stocked with provisions.

Unknown Samaritan

Issue: Board members offered thanks to an anonymous person who brought food and supplies to the warming shelter last week. Chairman Mark Duquette said the man identified himself only as “Robert” and that he lives on Robert’s Road. The board was unable to locate “Robert” since, but wished to thank him for his generosity.

Storm water

Scoop: Sabattus received approval to join Lewiston and Auburn in forming an updated storm water runoff plan. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for March 6; afterward Gill, the town manager, will update the board on estimated costs for plan implementation.

Energy audit

Scoop: One fire station energy audit report has been submitted, but two more are outstanding.

Up next: Board Vice Chairman Guy Desjardins recommended scheduling a workshop to review the reports. Because they are so lengthy and detailed, he said, the discussion likely would take up too much time during a regular board meeting. The workshop date will be set after the final report is received.

Road proposal

Issue: Residents from private Katherine’s Way asked board members about accepting their road as a public route, to be maintained by the town. Hyde, the roads foreman, said the only problem he is aware of is that no place currently exists to push snow. Resident Glen Dube offered a plan to create a suitable location.

Up next: Rogers, Dube and the others submitted a letter requesting the town’s acceptance of the road be placed on the annual town meeting warrant.

For municipal news items, contact JT Leonard at 252-6040 or at [email protected].