DIXFIELD — Selectmen on Monday unanimously approved acceptance of a federal grant to hire a full-time police officer to focus on domestic violence cases.

The $189,617 award from COPS, or Community Oriented Policing Services, will pay for the position for up to four years.

Police Chief Richard A. Pickett personally thanked each selectmen for letting him pursue the grant. He also extended his gratitude to legislative offices who wrote letters of support, which were included in the grant application.

“I wanted to especially thank U.S. Sen. Susan Collins who approached my office about writing a letter of support for the grant,” Pickett said.

Selectman Katherine Harvey also thanked Pickett for his hard work in attaining the grant and said how much it will benefit the town.

Other business discussed at the meeting included tax-acquired properties at 1 Dix Ave.

Town Manager Eugene Skibitsky told selectmen the homeowner, Almond Meader, had approached him with questions on how to repurchase the property.

Selectmen had previously decided to put the property up for bid with deed restrictions that the new owner would clean the area. Meader had informed Skibitsky that he has attempted to try and clean up the lot and house but would not be able to pay right away.

Selectman Malcolm Gill mentioned that this property has been an issue for the town for years.

The board decided to see what other bids came in before making a decision.

Skibitsky also asked the board to approve a request by Donald Horne of Dixfield to place wreaths this winter on veterans’ gravestones in town.

Horne is participating in Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. They also attempt to lay wreaths at veterans gravestones in all 50 states.

Selectmen approved Horne’s request and Skibitsky said anyone wanting to participate in the event, which is coordinated with an event at Arlington National Cemetery on the second Saturday in December, should contact Horne by email at [email protected]

In other business, an ATV meeting is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at the town office to discuss the new ATV ordinance proposed by Chief Pickett. Dave Mitchell, president of the ATV club, will be present. The meeting is open to the public.