TURNER — Town Manager Scott LaFlamme told selectmen Monday night that the application deadline for the upcoming municipal election had passed. He stated that there are five qualified candidates for the two open spots on the Board of Selectmen.

There is only one candidate for the opening on the RSU 52 board of directors. No one applied for the five openings on the Budget Committee. LaFlamme said it is common for these positions to be filled by write-in candidates.

The election of officers will be by referendum on April 5, and the annual town meeting will be April 6.

The board approved the specification for printing the town report. Anyone interested in bidding on the project can pick up a bid package from the town office.

Due to increasing expenses, the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society wants to raise its yearly fee by $387.04 to $7,912.92. This is based on a per-capita fee of $1.38. The selectmen were not supportive of the increase and instructed LaFlamme to determine whether or not the town is required to contract for this service. They voted to consider the matter at a future meeting.

LaFlamme said that the Androscoggin Land Trust returned the $500 check the town had given them for the construction of the James Bonney Trail. Because of litigation, the trust could not obtain the conservation easements necessary for the trail’s construction.

Public Works Director John Moultrie reported that most of last month was spent dealing with the 50 inches of snow that fell during February and maintaining the snow removal equipment. Weight limit signs were posted on Feb. 19.

Moultrie pointed out to selectmen that sometimes when state surplus equipment becomes available, a bid must be made before the next scheduled selectmen’s meeting. Selectmen agreed to let Moultrie work with LaFlamme in these cases. When necessary, the selectmen will call a work session to discuss the proposed purchase.

Moultrie said that he will be meeting with the Road Committee on March 5 to discuss bid specifications for this year’s road work schedule.

The board discussed the possibility of acquiring the Turner Grange Hall in order to showcase a collection of mounted animals, which has been offered to the town. LaFlamme will discuss this with the State Grange Association and examine possible outside funding sources.