CANTON — Voters at the annual town meeting Thursday, June 15, will decide whether to adopt ordinances governing the sale of foods at farmers markets and roadside stands, and rules for recreational use of town properties. 

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.

The local food ordinance would allow residents to sell items and be “exempt from licensure and inspection provided that the transaction is only between the producer or processor who sells his or her products at farmers’ markets or roadside stands.”

The ordinance on using town properties for recreation would include the public beach at Lake Anasagunticook, Whitney Brook Trail, Canton Heritage Park, ball field, public garden, ATV park and ride, and two boat launches off Route 140 and Staples Hill.

Also on the warrant is a proposal to close a section of River Road, from 408 River Road to the Peru town line, from November to April. According to the proposal, “The Board of Selectmen finds it unnecessary to maintain the River Road in view of its population, use, and travel.”

The 2017-18 municipal budget of $845,203 will be presented for a vote. It’s about $214 more than last year.

Canton’s share is nearly 25 percent more than last year, in part, because the town and three others left RSU 10 last year to formed their own district, effective July 1.

Voters will be asked to appropriate $100,000 to help pay the town’s share of the school budget. 

Elections for two selectmen and three Planning Board members will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at the Town Office.

Selectman Russell Adams is seeking re-election for a three-year term; Selectman Malcolm Ray is not running for office again. Planning Board terms are for five years.

mhutchinson@sunjournal.com

Canton town sign located at the town office.

Ray thanks for work as selectman

CANTON — Selectman Donald Hutchins thanked Malcolm “Mac” Ray at Thursday night’s board meeting for his three years on the board.

“Serving with you on this board has made (our work) much easier, and I appreciate it,” Hutchins said.

Town Administrator Scotty Kilbreth also thanked Ray for his service to the town: “I know you and your company (Business Roadsafe LLC) have contributed an awful lot to the town of Canton. The Staples Hill project, you had your engineers out there pro bono and you probably saved the town $10,000 plus,” he said.

Ray said it was a pleasure to work with the other selectmen and office staff.

“I think we’ve got a lot accomplished in the last three years, and I think I’ll be back in four years, so keep my seat warm,” he said.

Hutchins said he’s endorsing Russell Adams for re-election next Tuesday.

“He’s an outstanding selectman, he cares about the town, he doesn’t have any personal agendas. He just wants what’s good for the town,” Hutchins said.

It was announced that the Fire Department Auxiliary will hold a yard sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at the Fire Station.

Town Clerk Kathy Walker said “good faith” donations will be accepted for items.

mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net