HARTFORD – Distribution of work among selectmen caused tension in their meeting Thursday before a vocal gathering of more than dozen residents.

Each selectman has listed the things he or she had done for the town, as had been requested by Selectman Lee Holman. While Holman had the longest list, board Chairman Scott Swain told her that many of the things were not the duty of selectmen.

“You should hold up your end,” Swain told her.

But residents clearly were on the side of Holman. Code enforcement officer Kay Hawkins told Swain, “You are not being fair at all. Lee has done more for this town than any (other) selectman.”

Arlene Nason praised Holman for getting people in town to work together. She said she was “totally impressed with Lee’s work,” but added that she wasn’t familiar with all of the responsibilities of selectmen.

Town suppers were also at issue. Holman defended the potluck suppers, which are open to everyone, saying they have been popular, with turnouts exceeding that of town meeting or the most recent election.

Swain and Selectman Laura Marston said they had received numerous complaints about the cost of heating and maintaining the town hall for the meals.

While Swain favored the suppers, he said he would feel more comfortable if taxpayers voiced their opinion on them at the next special town meeting.

The board agreed that the suppers would continue, with all supplies being purchased with donations until voters have an opportunity to speak.

Tempers flared briefly as animal control officer Lianne Bedard presented a letter objecting to the town requirement that she submit complaint forms within 48 hours.

Other towns are satisfied with monthly reports, she stated.

Swain stated that “animosity and hostility make the situation different in Hartford.” It was finally agreed that Bedard could submit her reports at the regular selectmen’s meetings.

Emotions were again high as code enforcement officer Kay Hawkins explained why she had rescinded a building permit erroneously awarded to Sharon McCarron.

While Hawkins and selectmen wanted to help, they were stymied by the wording of ordinances. McCarron owns an 11-acre lot that would qualify as a buildable “back lot” if she had no road frontage and could get a 50-foot right-of-way to her land.

However, she has too much frontage for it to be a back lot, but not enough to be a legal building lot.

It was agreed that Hawkins should issue a “no-action letter,” which would permit McCarron to proceed with construction and give her two years to come into compliance.

In other business:

• The board heard a report that vandals are threatening the continued use of the town beach on Canton Lake by plugging the portable toilet and causing other damage. The vendor has threatened to remove his equipment if there is more trouble.

• Bids were accepted for surplus equipment. Road Commissioner Alan (Bim) McNeil purchased a trash compactor truck for $1,500. Daniel Richardson purchased a Ford firetruck for $325. Eugene Hutchinson purchased a Chevy firetruck for $1,100.

• Methods to obtain equipment held by former members of Hartford’s Volunteer Fire Department was discussed.

• DOT approved a 40-mph speed limit on Perry Road.

• The board rescinded the appointment made to the Waste Committee at its last meeting and appointed Tom Hamilton as a full member and Mark Welch as an alternate.