CHESTERVILLE — The Board of Selectmen has elected officers, extended some employee appointments and implemented changes for board meetings.

Tyler Jenness was elected chairman and Tiffany Estabrook was elected vice chairman at Thursday evening’s meeting.

The board voted 4-1 to extend the appointments of some officers whose appointments expired March 30. Jenness and fellow Selectmen Matt Welch, Ross Clair and Edward Hastings IV voted for the motion; Estabrook was opposed.

Appointments extended to April 13 include those of Animal Control Officer Pat Wheeler, Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Medcoff, E911 Coordinator John Archer, Emergency Management Agency Director John Archer, Fire Chief John Archer and Treasurer Olive Couture. Also extended were appointments for General Assistance director and plumbing inspector, whose names were not immediately available.

Hastings said he needed to be brought up to speed before voting on long-term appointments.

Estabrook suggested putting an article on the warrant for the next town meeting to have the outgoing board make the appointments.

Hastings said the appointments should be made six months after the new board is in place.

“The board needs time to look out for the best interests of the town,” Hastings said.

The board plans to make all appointments or reappointments by April 13.

The former board had extended the town clerk’s and deputy town clerk’s appointments, which ended at the March 27 town meeting, until the end of April.

In other business, the board will use a meeting agenda, which will be available at the Town Office prior to meetings.

Hastings said items for discussion should be on the agenda to give advance notice.

Clair said he would like to use the first 15 minutes of meetings for audience questions.

“It’s important for them to speak first rather than having to sit through the meeting,” Clair said. “The audience could still give input on later agenda items.” 

The board also made several decisions concerning town roads.

Road Foreman/Road Agent Mike Cote was given authority to deal with road issues and weight limit questions while roads are posted. Cote will go to the board if he’s uncomfortable making a decision. If permission is granted, Cote will provide the written verification to truckers.

“I have no problem making decisions,”  Cote said. “I know the truck weights, where the road issues are.”

Cote will now report to the board monthly. He had been meeting with the board weekly.

Clair will be Cote’s board contact should issues arise. Clair said the selectman to contact could rotate yearly.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net

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