WILTON — Selectmen heard an update Tuesday on plans to build an observation platform on Coubers Brook so residents can view birds and other wildlife.

Wilton Conservation Commission members Nancy Prince, Martha Martin and Selectman Russell Black said the committee was pursuing permission from landowners for the platform. The plan is to access the bog area from the banking in back of the American Legion and Wilton Public Safety building.

For this fall, the group is preparing to create a walking trail from Sunset Avenue for wildlife photographers and viewers to walk in to town property to watch birds, beavers and other wildlife.

A snowy egret, similar to a blue heron only white and smaller, has been photographed in the area by Tony Nazar, Prince said. The area is valuable for school studies, local photographers and those who want to explore the natural wildlife setting, she said.

In other business, the board awarded a contract to Waste Management of Norridgewock to transport recyclables to Lewiston’s Transfer Station for $205 per load through 2013 and $210 per load for 2014.

Other bids through 2013 were received from Andy Valley Refuse Inc., for $360 per load; Pine Tree Waste Inc. for $295 per load and Almighty Waste of Auburn for $219 per load.

No-sort recycling begins Saturday at the Wilton Transfer Station, Town Manager Rhonda Irish reported. She estimated the number of trips to Lewiston may be weekly or biweekly.

The board also tabled action on a foreclosed property on Route 2 East near Village Realty. A parcel of 4.9 acres has been for taxes owed since 2009. The amount is $8,848.83, plus $1,147.64 in interest for a total of $10,094.34, Irish said.

The board wanted to wait for more information provided by a Department of Environmental Protection assessment, including whether it will designate part of the property as flood zone protection area.

“It could turn into a nice flat piece of land with some fill,” Selectman Scott Taylor said he was told by local Realtors.

Irish and Road Foreman John Welch met with Maine Department of Transportation officials to determine where to set the new pedestrian flashing lights planned for the crosswalk at the intersection of Birch and Depot streets.

Because of the curve just below the intersection, Maine DOT recommends putting one light below the curve to warn drivers heading toward Academy Hill School that someone is using the crosswalk to avoid quick stops as they come around the curve. 

The other light would flash at the crosswalk. In order to coordinate the two lights a remote is needed, Irish said. The board approved spending $1,000 from the town’s sidewalk fund to purchase the remote for the lights.

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