CANTON – Selectmen voted Thursday night to start proceedings to acquire the Anasagunticook Lake dam by eminent domain. According to Vice Chairman Jackie Conant, the first step is to hire an appraiser.

The dam, owned by Ray Fortier, has been a point of local contention since its gates were ordered opened last May, causing the water level to drop six feet below normal.

The gates were opened because inspectors found problems with the dam. Fortier was ordered by the state to correct the problems but hasn’t yet. He’s repeatedly missed deadlines to submit plans for repair and fines have been accruing at $500 a day.

The town list as reasons for taking the dam issues such as flood control, town economics, water quality and property values.

In other matters, selectmen agreed to take tires at the transfer station during spring cleanup for $3 each. Cleanup is scheduled for June 4, 7, 11 and 14.

Diane Ray gave a report from the fact-finding committee dealing with dam issues as well as what to do with the town property acquired for a village. The town did not approve moving ahead with the village.

Several people were concerned about open wells that remain on property bought out by the town after the flood of 2003. Selectmen will try to locate the uncovered wells and have them sealed.