WATERFORD — At its March 22 meeting, Elizabeth Roth of Bear Mountain Music approached the Waterford Board of Selectmen to ask permission to use Werner Park for concerts in the event of another shut down. She stated that she has lined up local performers for the Summer schedule and wanted to gauge comfort level for gatherings.

These concerts will be free with requests of free-will donations only, to support the performers. The events will not likely be loud or draw huge numbers of people, and she said she hopes that as the year goes on, and the public comfort level grows, she’ll be able to use the music hall, but since Werner Park is close to the hall, she wanted to attempt use of the park early in the season.

She does not expect crowds of more than 30, but if the need arises, she will look into other locations. Werner Park was first choice due to its proximity to the music hall.

Selectman Todd Sawyer noted that his thoughts were about the need for insurance and parking concerns being issues. Selectman Randy Lessard also had safety concerns regarding parking on Sweden Road;  Roth assured the board that she would mark clearly where parking is and is not allowed. Sawyer asked about notification of abutters. Code Enforcement Officer John Bell provided mass gathering permit requirements, which brought up more questions around safety as well as about providing toilet facilities and fire and medical plans.

Board members asked Roth to research and return to speak to a plan for those provisions at a future meeting. Roth noted that she had only had one parking issue in the past since purchase of the hall. She plans to notify abutters of the park about the concerts, and said she would document answers to the mass meeting permit provisions and plan to return to the board’s April 12 meeting.

Insurance

Augustina Pyle, an independent associate representing Aflac Insurance, presented information to the board about benefits to offering supplemental insurance to town employees. There were some questions about how it would work in addition to existing insurance; informational sessions with town employees were discussed and will be planned.

Board members will also contact Maine Municipal Association (MMA) with regard to health insurance and review that coverage to see if such things as short-term disability is included, and to ensure the plans would integrate well for employees . In-person and/or virtual meetings will be scheduled with MMA, and then with Pyle for further discussion with town departments.

Truck

Jim Kidder of Waterford Public Works spoke about a new plow truck, to be purchased from the Special Equipment Account approved by voters at the March 6 Town Meeting.  Kidder noted that overall in the truck-building industry, there has been an awareness that the recent epidemic would undoubtedly create a shortage of parts and production, and that costs will be increasing.

He stated that he had talked with the sales representative, who assured him that should the town approve purchase of this truck, manufacturing would begin in August, with delivery slated for late Fall.  Life expectancy for the new truck is 10-15 years.

Sawyer reported that the town was planning to retire two trucks and replace with this one; if delivery is not possible on time, it was reported that town employees could make it work. This truck would update the fleet to 2012, 2018, and 2022 vehicles.  Sawyer made a motion that the board commit to purchase this 2021-22 Western Star Plow Truck for $216,453.

Selectwoman Jamie Toohey seconded the motion. There was some discussion, and  Sawyer suggested amending the motion to state that as part of this action, the town will sell the 1995 single-axle plow truck currently in the fleet.  Toohey seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously;  Kidder will contact the truck seller.

Road work bids

Kidder and Sawyer also presented a draft bid package for the following road work to be completed: deep pipe installation on Mill Hill and all culverts and ditching on Deer Hill Road.
They will also be drafting a second separate bid package for an excavator with operator for a number of days this season in order to get specific jobs done in collaboration with town-owned assets. Both bid packages will be ready for the next Selectboard meeting.

Sawyer noted that exposure to some of these projects and the crew/equipment necessary will benefit the town crew.  Lessard wanted to ensure the town can afford the needed upkeep on town roads in the coming years;  Sawyer and Kidder are completing a road inventory in order to plan for this.

Lessard presented a plaque of recognition to John Bell for his service to the town of Waterford as Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor.

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