BUCKFIELD — Selectmen voted Tuesday night to hire Northland Holder to clear sidewalks after snowstorms.

Town Manager Glen Holmes informed the Board that the town could rent a Bobcat for plowing the sidewalks for $2,850, but would have to depend on town crews to do the work. After looking at the small difference in cost, the Board voted to go with Northland, which is a Turner-based company that provides maintenance services to both towns and private companies.

Selectman Eileen Hotham said Northland has been doing a good job and though the contract for $3,000 would only cover three months, the Board thought it was the best option.

Resident Joyce Hartson asked about the status of the Property Assessed Clean Energy program. Holmes said that 20 homes had been audited for energy losses and five or six had completed winterizing work.

He said he hopes to have the PACE ordinance on the June annual town meeting warrant. Holmes said that the people had not been properly informed about the need for the ordinance before the November election and voted it down.

A grant from the nonprofit Maine Green Energy Alliance would allow homeowners to take out loans to winterize their homes after an audit was done. However, an ordinance must be passed to allow residents to take advantage of the program.

In other business, Gene Bell had requested that Holmes look into getting the speed limit reduced near his home on Route 140. Holmes said Bell had nearly been hit twice trying to get out of his driveway.

Holmes said he contacted the Maine Department of Transportation and though it would take months to try to get the reduced speed posted, they could clear brush from beside the road to provide a better view to motorists of the driveway.