HARTFORD — Resident Sara Lalemand told selectmen Thursday night that Gurney Hill Road badly needs gravel.

Gurney Hill Road is closed for winter maintenance past Roger Gammon’s camp north. Lalemand lives in a cabin with her husband on the section that is closed for upkeep. She said they have quite a lot of money trying to make the road passable and need help with gravel. They also keep it plowed in the winter.

Lalemand said if fire vehicles had needed to use that section during the recent forest fire it would not have been possible.

Selectman Jack Plumley said if the town worked on Gurney Hill, it would be opening a can of worms.

“This recession has made all our budgets tight,” he said.

Board Chairman Lee Holman told Lalemand that she built on property along that road knowing what it was.

“It was just a path through the woods,” Holman told her. “You also knew the road had been discontinued for winter maintenance. Moving into the woods takes a great deal of responsibility.”

Lalemand was also concerned that her taxes had gone up but they had no road maintenance.

Holman advised they would consider her situation, do some research and get back to her. Nothing could be done now until spring, she said.

In other news, Beverly Murphy reported that brush had been cut on Pratt Hill near a brook. Plumley said he would check it out with the code enforcement officer.

Addition of a handrail on the front steps of the Town Hall was discussed, but Town Clerk Lianne Bedard suggested those using the hall after dark should use the side door with the handicap ramp. The issue of the handrail is still being considered.