Town: Sumner selectmen

Met: Tuesday

Bridge removal

Issue: Selectmen voted Tuesday night to remove the Labrador Pond outlet bridge from Russell Road on the advice of John Buxton of the Maine Department of Transportation. Buxton estimated that fixing the bridge would cost the town $100,000.

What’s next: Road Commissioner James Keach said Wednesday that the rock abutments have been condemned, making the bridge unsafe. He said the wood deck and steel I-beams will be removed. The work will be done before Oct. 1, he said.

People will be able to travel Russell Road either from the Sumner end or the Hartford end, he said.

FEMA money

Issue: The town received $43,313 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for damage sustained during the Patriot’s Day storm. An additional $8,000 is expected.

Road work

Issue: After considerable discussion with residents, the board decided that the Road Committee should develop recommendations on which road projects should be put out to bid and which ones should be done by the road commissioner using rented equipment. Selectmen assured that all qualified equipment owners in Sumner have a fair chance to get town work.

Pandemic flu forum

Issue: A pandemic flu forum was presented Monday by the Sumner Emergency Management Committee. Approximately 50 people heard Michael Hatch, safety and security officer, and Sharon Proctor, infection prevention and wound care specialist, both from Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway share their knowledge on what to expect during a pandemic, how to individually prepare and how to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected.

While the speakers related impressive statistics on the preparations being made by government agencies, hospitals and others, they stressed the importance of individuals and communities being prepared.

Barn dance

Issue: Kelly Affleck, owner of the old Litchfield Farm on Labrador Pond Road, has announced an old-fashioned barn dance from 8 p.m. until midnight Oct. 7 at the farm. The dance is sponsored by the Sumner Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary to benefit the department. For tickets contact members.

Group: Hartford selectmen
Rock removal

Issue: Selectmen agreed to let the road commissioner remove a large boulder in the town office parking area by digging or blasting.

Committee service

Issue: Selectman Lee Holman was elected to the county Budget Committee. Selectman Hope McCabe volunteered to be a member of the School Consolidation Committee.

Dam repairs

Issue: Code Enforcement Officer Jack Plumley said the requested engineering plan for the Canton lake dam is in and dam owner Ray Fortier has until Dec. 31 to make repairs. On Sept. 17, the Core Committee on the dam will meet at 6:30 in the Canton Town Office to pursue grant possibilities and discuss eminent domain.