NORWAY – The Board of Selectmen has developed a new list of goals for the town’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges and sidewalks.

Last week, Selectmen Irene Millett, Russell Newcomb, William Damon, Warren Sessions and Michael Twitchell discussed their goals for the coming year and beyond with Town Manager David Holt. Priorities included repair the Crockett Ridge and French Road bridges.

Last month, the Department of Transportation reported the two bridges have deficiencies but are safe for travel.

According to information from Holt, the board is not only considering “appropriate and creative alternatives” and funding methods to make the repairs in a timely manner, but also considering whether the Crockett Ridge Road bridge should be changed from a culvert.

The French Bridge is off Morse Road in North Norway.

Selectmen said funding for the work and all infrastructure should be one of their top goals.

The board also said they support the creation of a sidewalk on Alpine Street jointly with the town of Paris, and the idea of a sidewalk from Norway village to Pennesseewassee Park, including improvements to the state bridge by The Lake Store on Route 118.

While the Norway Opera House remains on the list of goals, it is no longer the No. 1 priority of the board. The board has agreed it wants to continue to publicly support the completion of renovations in order to fully utilize the 1894 building on Main Street.

Other ideas the board agreed to look into or discuss further include the creation of an area to walk dogs, possibly at Lake Pennesseewassee Park,  continued evaluation of alternatives for a new police station, and renewing a commitment to involve students in local government.

The board also agreed to update the town employee job descriptions, conduct a pay study and make sure that pay and benefits are appropriate, particularly for the fire chief’s position. The town manager will develop a plan to present to the board.

The town manager will present a plan to the board that allows banks and other parties to research tax payment status online.

The town will support creative reuse of the former C. B. Cummings dowell mill lot. The lot is owned by Western Maine Health.

The manager, staff and board will evaluate policies and practices to ensure they are supportive of local business.

The board has agreed to review Norway ordinances with an eye toward removing or amending unnecessary regulation.

Goal-setting was last done two years ago.

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