TURNER — Rescue Chief Toby Martin submitted his resignation, effective April 1, and selectmen accepted it, with regret, at a special meeting March 2. It was announced at Monday night’s board meeting.

Martin has accepted a position with the town of Wiscasset.

Selectmen praised him for his accomplishments in Turner. Martin resolved dispatch problems, upgraded crew quarters and implemented training programs for his staff.

In a recent letter from Tri-County Regional Coordinator Joanne LeBrun, Martin’s achievements were also praised.

“The positive change in the demeanor of your staff, their care of the equipment and compliance with rules and protocols is very noticeable,” LeBrun wrote.

Also Monday, Mary Briggs presented her report on town buildings and highlighted concerns about preserving the integrity of historic structures such as Leavitt Institute. She thanked all who worked on the project for their diligence in research.

“John Socchi went above and beyond,” she said.

Socchi, who wrote the report, asked the board to focus on its recommendations, and said everyone involved in the project learned something new. The board will review the report and meet with the research team.

Selectmen discussed the proposal to amend street design standards to allow more buildings on dead-end streets. They reviewed three versions by two authors, Planner John Maloney and Mike Gotto.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Kurt Youland asked Fire Chief Rodney Guptill’s opinion regarding specific safety concerns.

Guptill said he’s concerned about traffic bottlenecks and the accessibility of water, preferably via hydrants in places where it would be difficult to bring tankers in.

Currently, the standard requires two street accesses to build more than 15 houses.

Guptill also said he was looking into starting a junior firefighters program for 14- to 18-year-olds. Not only would it be a good opportunity for the teens, but it would also help the department.

Town Manger Kurt Schaub presented a copy of the five-year contract for recycling. It would hold the cost through 2016.

“I just don’t like five-year contracts,” Youland said.

Selectman Ralph Caldwell agreed.

The board decided to postpone signing the contract until after the town meeting.

In other business, the town will be accepting sealed bids for maintenance of grassy areas until Monday, April 4.

The Town Report was sent to the printer Monday and is expected to be ready by March 21.

Doorbells will be installed next month at the Rescue Barn, and the town will sell its 1996 Chevrolet pickup truck.

One of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ staff will be at the Town Office on Wednesday, March 9, to discuss concerns residents may have.

The next board meeting is March 21.

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