HARTFORD – Selectmen are requiring developers to submit a performance bond or certificate of deposit to cover the cost of building a road into their five-lot subdivision near Canton Lake. The financial instrument is meant to guarantee the 1,750-foot road from Route 140 is built before any of the lots are sold, selectmen said.

Michael and Jane Mickeriz of Peru have received initial Planning Board approval for their Lakefield project that covers 40 acres on the west side of Route 140 near the Canton town line. The development is on the opposite side of the highway from the lake. The lots will each be more than three acres, Jane Mickeriz said.

The cost of building the road is estimated to be $82,000, and $8,000 from the sale of the first five lots will be put aside for part of the cost of the final paving. The road will have a base coat of tar applied before October and a finish coat before October 2009. The tar road was recommended by an engineer so less sediment would leak into the lake.

In other business at Thursday night’s meeting, Buckfield Town Manager Glen Holmes, representing the Nezinscot Valley Purchasing Authority, addressed a list of areas Selectmen Chairman David Bowen submitted for saving money.

Holmes said Buckfield saved $2,000 last year by buying culverts in bulk and suggested that Hartford could also benefit from going in on the purchase.

Sharing equipment, operators and mechanics was discussed as well as fuel, sand and gravel purchases. Holmes said after he meets with Sumner next week, he will prepare a spreadsheet showing what equipment is in each town, how much sand and fuel is used, number of culverts, and any other areas where the towns could share costs.

The board signed the completed comprehensive plan so it can be submitted to the state. Praise was given to Chairman Neil Hanley and Judy Hamilton for the years of work they have given to the plan. Work started on it in 2003.

Flood zone maps will be available for viewing in the office, and the board will be open for comments until May 15.

The board had little comment on the preliminary 2009 state evaluation of town property of $114,700,000, an increase of $8,250,000 over last year. The combined sales ratio was listed at 82 percent.

The board accepted with regret the resignation of David Kraske from the Road Committee. Willy Bragg was elected a member.

Selectmen also accepted the resignation of Roland Downing from the SAD 39 school board. Tom Hamilton was appointed to finish the term and is also taking out nomination papers for the June election. Colleen Bullocks will not be running for re-election to the board.