NEW GLOUCESTER – Selectmen on Monday agreed to continue deliberations on two properties with outstanding code violations.

In a memo, Code Enforcement Officer Debra Parks Larrivee said Kristin Searles’ property at 42 Church Road has several loads of fill from the state ditching in the area. A dug well with rotten boards top is 10 to 12 feet deep. Searles indicated she expects to address life safety issues, Larrivee’s memo said.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has also received a complaint from a neighbor on the property.

The building at 13 Outlet Road was heavily damaged by fire several years ago and a foundation hole needs to be secured. Efforts to reach the estate’s attorney are still pending by the town, Larrivee’s memo said.

The board agreed to begin cleanup at a tax-acquired property at 328 B Sabbathday Road. A bill of sale, conveying any rights held by the town has been issued for the home in exchange for removing it from the site by Oct. 16. The Highway Department will clean up the property, which will be sold through sealed bids.

A special town meeting is in the works to address zoning changes in Upper Gloucester. A draft warrant will be available for the board on Oct. 19.

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In other business, a search is on for a fire and rescue chief to succeed the Gary Sacco who retired Oct. 2. The deadline for applications is Oct. 23.

Interim Fire Chief Roger Levasseur is handling duties in the meantime.

Town Manager Paul First is in charge of hiring the chief and has asked the board to set up an advisory group to assist him. The group will include a selectman, a firefighter, a rescue person and the town manager.

Avis Ford, a retired rescue worker for more than 40 years, was honored with a sentiment from Maine’s House of Representatives. The board awarded the certificate to Ford.


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