LIVERMORE FALLS — Selectmen voted Tuesday to put an article on the November ballot asking if voters want to spend up to $10,000 to study the feasibility of building a fire station in East Livermore, Town Manager Stephen Gould said Wednesday.

Gould said he overlooked the item before the board’s executive session, which came near the end of the meeting, so he raised it afterward because a decision was needed to meet a deadline for the Nov. 6 referendum ballot.

Voters approved exploring the idea at the annual town meeting referendum June 12.

The town acquired about 3½ acres on Route 106 for unpaid taxes. Gould said there is a mobile home, well and septic system on it, but he was not sure of the status of the well and septic system.

He received an estimate of $5,000 to study the parcel, including environmental factors, but wants enough money in case another property needs to be studied, he said. The money would come from the general fund.

In other matters, selectmen voted Tuesday to table the purchase of new playground equipment and a fence until there is a security system to monitor the Recreation Field.

The cost of the playground equipment and fence is estimated at more than $31,000.

The canopy over the playground equipment was cut and torn by vandals in August. The canopy had been damaged at least twice before.

Vandals also set fire to a portable toilet at the field in the past, Gould said. Also, the skateboard park has been vandalized several times.

Gould said police Lt. Joseph Sage suggested having a security system in place before buying new equipment, in part, because officers cannot patrol the field 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The board also voted Tuesday to solicit bids for two properties acquired for unpaid sewer fees. The minimum bid for 44 Baldwin St. is $20,000 and the minimum bid for 70 Church St. is $25,000.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net 

After vandals damaged the canopy over playground equipment at the Livermore Falls Recreation Field, selectmen tabled a proposal Tuesday to buy new equipment until a security system is in place. (Sun Journal file photo)