Waterford Board of Selectmen

Aug. 28, 2017

Town Office

Fireworks

What happened: Resident Bill Roy, president of the McWain Shores Association, presented a proposed ordinance that would ban the sale and use of consumer fireworks in town, except on July 4 and Dec. 31/Jan 1., and the weekends before and after those two holidays. The petition cites numerous complaints to the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office and the Town Office, and harmful effects of late-night explosions on military veterans, pets and livestock.

What it means: The proposed ordinance is similar to those adopted by Norway, Lewiston, Auburn, Jay and Buxton. The plan is to require a permit to educate users of the consequences of their actions and potential harms.

What’s next: Selectman Randy Lessard suggested the group polish the language while selectmen outline the permit. Selectmen will decide at their meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, whether the ordinance will be voted on at the annual town meeting in March.

Smoke-free policy

What happened: Selectmen voted 3-0 to adopt a smoke-free workplace policy proposed by Healthy Oxford Hills.

What it means: No employees will be allowed to smoke on town property.

Tractor purchase

What happened: Resident Tom Fillebrown proposed the town buy a tractor with a bucket and backhoe to move brush and large roll-off containers, and to compress bulky waste at the Transfer Station.

What it means: Fillebrown said it would save money on trucking.

What’s next: Selectmen agreed it would be helpful, and they will look into it for next year because the heavy equipment budget has been spent for this year.