NEW GLOUCESTER – Selectmen went into executive session after Monday’s regular board meeting to discuss negotiations with a potential town manager position.

Chairwoman Lenora Conger said currently there are two finalists for the post.

The board is expected to forward its recommendation to the Maine Municipal Association, which is assisting the town in its search and assist in finalizing a contract.

Conger said the board is expected to announce the finalist at its next meeting Nov. 17.

Since Town Manager Rosemary Kulow resigned Sept. 18, the board launched a town manager search with the help of MMA. Seventy-three applicants vied for the post and in recent weeks, the field was narrowed to two.

In other business, the New Gloucester Historical Society’s request to build a history barn at the town hall complex in Lower Gloucester will require voter approval.

No decision was made yet to hold a special town meeting on the request as opposed to waiting until the annual town meeting in May.

Meanwhile, New Gloucester Historical Society spokesman Steve Chandler said the project will be a home to the society’s collection scattered throughout the town in private homes and barns.

“We would like to have a home site for this project first,” said Chandler, adding it would help launch a public fundraising campaign. Recently, a large donation was made for the project by Nancy Wilcox of New Gloucester, the society’s president.

Chandler said the cost of the building is higher than estimated and the group is currently pursuing grant funds.

“We were optimistic our donation would cover the entire project,” Chandler said. “We are looking for some kind of commitment from the board whether it is a town meeting versus a special town meeting.”

No action was taken until more information is sought to deal with any legal issues.

Rep. Michael Vaughan, R-Durham, told the board that a letter from Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Cole supports the safety need to upgrade a railroad crossing on the Morse Road.

The crossing sees traffic from 17 school buses daily, trucks and more vehicles to Pineland Center from Route 100 and Route 231.

The site will be placed on a priority list for upgrading signal protection in the next fiscal state budget, Cole said in a letter. A railroad crossing upgrade costs roughly $250,000 to $300,000.