Buckfield Board of Selectmen

June 19, 2018

Buckfield Municipal Center

Public hearing

What happened: After a 45-minute public hearing about a noise complaint at the Buck-It Grill & Pub, selectmen decided to delay  action on the matter until a future meeting.

What it means: More than 50 people attended the hearing and a number spoke in favor of the Turner Street establishment, while others aired their complaints about the noise. The written complaint was lodged by neighbor Richard Jeselskis, who said he does not want to close the business, but wants the noise levels to decrease and bands to stop playing earlier. Owner Lee Johnson said he would have bands stop playing by 11 p.m., but did not want to be fined if a band plays five minutes over.

What’s next: The issue will be addressed at the Tuesday, July 17, selectmen meeting, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center, 34 Turner St. Outgoing Selectboard Chair Maida DeMers-Dobson asked for clarification regarding the timetable of events in the live entertainment permit. Town Manager Joe Roach said he will report back to the board.

EV charger

What happened: Scott Vlaun from the Center for Ecology-Based Economy told selectmen and residents about the Norway nonprofit’s plan to install an electric vehicle (EV) charger behind the Municipal Building.

What it means: The idea is to mount the charger onto one of the generator posts. The charger, the installation and signage of both sides of the road and in front of the charging station are gifts to the town from CEBE. “This will put Buckfield, just like the Poland [EV charger] on the PlugShare Map,” Vlaun said, referring to a nationwide map showing locations of electric vehicle charging stations. “EV drivers will know Buckfield is a place to go.”

What’s next: Selectmen will take action on the gift at their next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 3.

Equipment for sale

What happened: Selectmen agreed to sell through bids equipment the Public Works Department no longer uses.

What it means: The items are lined up against the fence at the Public Works facility. The equipment includes a 9-foot Fischer plow blade, a tow-behind power broom that has not run in a while, a 2007 Ford F-150, a tool tray, a ladder axe for a pickup truck and used culverts.

What’s next: Revenue brought in from the sale of these items will go into the undesignated fund balance.