BUCKFIELD – A proposed parking and sidewalk ordinance topped the selectmen’s agenda Thursday night.

The ordinance would replace the existing one-page document, which Town Manager Glen Holmes indicated was inadequate. It would specify areas, such as near fire hydrants, intersections and driveways, where no parking is allowed. It also would provide restrictions for snow removal, and authorize the selectmen to proclaim restrictions during special events.

The penalty for illegal use of a handicapped parking space would be $50. Most other offenses would carry a $10 fine. Special penalties are proposed for “scofflaws” and “habitual offenders.”

Selectmen will reconsider the ordinance at their next meeting.

Holmes said that although the town has exceeded its budget for winter road maintenance, he has heard nothing but compliments on the quality of snow removal.

Holmes presented a budget estimate of $1,109,850 for reconstructing 1,700 feet of High Street. Approximately one third of this amount is for a new water main and associated work. It is hoped that this project may be funded by the recently passed federal stimulus package.

Road Committee member Dick Piper told selectmen he thought his committee’s goal was to use available road funds to provide the greatest benefit to the town. He said that roads were an important consideration if the town is serious about economic development.

Selectman John Lowell agreed.

Holmes said the top road priority for the coming year was $40,000 to replace a culvert on Allen School Road and $50,000 to $100,000 for concrete abutment repairs to the Frank Brown Bridge on Brock School Road.

Selectmen appointed Holmes to a new three-year term as health officer. Buckfield Rescue Chief Lisa Buck was appointed to a three-year term as alternate health officer. Holmes and Buck will take the training recently mandated by the state.

Holmes, who also serves as Buckfield Emergency Management director, reported that Buckfield’s was one of nine agencies in the county to receive a grant for radios.

Discussion of a revised personnel policy was postponed until the next meeting.

Holmes will meet with the Budget Committee on Feb. 26. The selectmen will have a workshop session on the budget on March 17.