TURNER — Selectmen began their meeting by electing officers and tending to organizational matters on Tuesday night.

The board’s regular Monday night meeting was rescheduled because of Patriot’s Day.

Kurt Youland was re-elected chairman. Former Chairman Angelo Terreri was elected vice chairman. The board agreed to operate under Robert’s Rules of Order.

Selectmen approved a revision to the town’s tax-receipting policy. In past years, dishonored checks issued near the tax due date have caused trouble. In the future, only secure payments will be accepted during the 14-day period immediately preceding the filing of a lien or foreclosure. Personal checks will not be accepted during that time.

Gilbert Lawn Care was awarded the contract for mowing grassy areas for $8,800. The contract for mowing the landfill will be given to North East Property Maintenance for $575.

Turner Rescue Chief Toby Martin suggested that the town should have a Safety Committee. All agreed that safety was of paramount importance, but there was some question over whether there was a need for an additional committee.

Selectman Ralph Caldwell insisted that it was the department manager’s responsibility to see that safety procedures were in place and obeyed.

Selectmen decided to establish the Safety Committee to ensure that, when applicable, the procedures were consistent among departments. The committee will not usurp department managers’ responsibility for enforcing the rules.

Town Manager Kurt Schaub informed the selectmen that Turner’s safety record was above average.

Selectmen Denis Richardson suggested that all town employees be required to attend safety training.

Selectmen instructed Schaub to arrange for a Maine Municipal Association courtesy survey to determine whether there were any safety conditions that needed attention.

Selectmen approved a contract with E.C. Barry to sweep the town streets for $125 per hour, including operator and expenses. The alternative was to rent a sweeper for $100 per hour with the town furnishing the operator and expenses.

Public Works Department Manager Jack Moultrie and Youland will investigate the possibility of the town buying a sweeper.

The town will switch to single-sort recycling as soon as the new compactor is installed. The plans are being reviewed by the state. Moultrie expects the project to be completed no later than July.

Schott Management and K&K Construction have completed a major gas line project in Maine and will be selling excess equipment. Youland estimated that this will result in a more than $100,000 loss of revenue to the town. The companies were paying about $20,000 in personal property tax in addition to excise tax on 115 pieces of equipment.

Martin reminded selectmen that the state will be running a pill dropoff at the Fire and Rescue station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The permit fee for the Turner Town Beach on Bear Pond will go from $10 to $12 to cover the cost of maintaining the beach. Permits are only available to Turner residents.

The town is searching for a new health officer. Schaub is interested in discussing the duties with any local physicians or nurses interested in helping the community.

Copy the Story Link