TURNER — The Board of Selectmen decided Monday night to address recommended changes in the personnel policy regarding office employees working on storm days.

Town office employees requested the board reconsider changes made in 2008. Under the present policy, if an employee decides it is unsafe to go to the office or if the town manager calls for a snow day, the employee must take a personal day in order to be paid. If the employee makes it to the office and the town manager closes the office, the employee gets paid for the entire day.

Selectman Ralph Caldwell pointed out that when Marden’s is open, state offices are open, and  the town office should be as well.

It was a reference to Gov. Paul LePage’s quip that if Marden’s is open, state offices are open. LePage was general manager of the chain until becoming governor.

Selectmen agreed that, except in extremely bad weather, such as the 1998 ice storm, they all usually made it to work after the roads were plowed. They agreed that they did not want the staff coming in when it was unsafe and wanted them to head home while they could safely do so.

In other business, the board signed a quitclaim deed for the Merrill Mills property. In 1987, a lien was placed on the property. Back taxes were paid and have been kept up since, but the lien was never removed. The lien was recently discovered when the property was sold, leading to the quitclaim deed.

Selectmen renewed the liquor license for the Fore Seasons Restaurant & Waggles Lounge at Turner Highlands Country Club. Selectman Ralph Caldwell recommended the renewal because there have been no police complaints.

In a discussion about renewing the contract with the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Chairman Angelo Terreri suggested the issue be put on the agenda early next year after selectmen study other organizations that furnish similar planning services.

AVCOG provides support to the Planning Board on site plan reviews and other technical issues.

Selectmen decided to go with the Androscoggin County dispatch center for medical, fire and rescue services because it appeared to be less expensive and better than the alternatives. While the $25,803 price tag is a significant increase over prior years, it more fairly reflects Turner’s share of the cost.

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