TURNER — Town Manager Kurt Schaub told selectmen Monday night that the town is about to start single-sort recycling.

The new compactor is at the transfer station and wired up, he said. Once the current recycling containers are removed, the site can be fine graded and paved. Paving is scheduled for Oct. 14 and 15.

The big kickoff for single-sort is Saturday, Oct. 17. Casella Waste Systems, Turner’s single-sort recycler, will provide handouts and will place posters to help residents learn the new system. Casella will also have a representative on site most of the day to help residents with the transition to the new system.

The transfer station is on Dump Road, accessed by Snow Hill Road off Route 4.

In other business this week, the saga of the Turner Bicentennial Bell continues, with some hope in sight.

At the previous meeting, Schaub informed selectmen he contacted Meeks, Watson and Co., the company contracted about two years ago by the town to furnish a replacement bell for the one that was stolen. The company had informed Schaub that it was unable to cast a new bell, but that its sister company in England could produce it for the same price. Schaub had told the company the offer would be considered.

After getting Schaub’s report at last month’s meeting, selectmen decided to sever ties with Meeks, Watson. Schaub sent them an email canceling the contract. He got an immediate reply saying the British company had nearly completed the mold and Meeks, Watson had completed the yoke assembly. The email stated that the bell would be shipped to the company’s Ohio plant for assembly with the yoke on Oct. 9. They said they would deliver the bell with their own truck at no cost to the town.

Selectmen Monday agreed to permit the company to proceed on the condition that the town get progress reports and photographs showing that the bell will be delivered in a timely manner.

In other action, Rescue Chief Toby Martin gave his monthly report. There were 89 calls in September compared to 75 in August.

The Rescue Department is looking for two additional paramedics.

Fire Chief Mike Arsenault reported that Squad 98, an old pickup truck, is out of service because if an expired inspection sticker. He recommended the truck be replaced rather than invest money needed to pass inspection.

Schaub has updated his grant application to the Department of Environmental Protection for the Tidswell Road culvert.

The Town Office will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 7, because the staff will attend training by the Maine Municipal Association. It will also close Monday, Oct. 12, for Columbus Day and on Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving.