NEW GLOUCESTER — Selectmen on Monday approved closing the New Gloucester Public Library on Friday, July 5.

The Town Hall will also be closed that day, however, the transfer station will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

The board unanimously approved decreasing the number of members of the Parks and Recreation Committee from 21 members to seven public members and two selectmen as liaison, all having equal voting rights.

Selectmen Linda Chase said the reduction helps conduct the group’s business more efficiently with recreation director Harvey Price.

Public Works Director Ted Shane’s request to name a backup firm capable of immediately providing surface gravel for the reconstruction of a section of the Woodman Road project was approved.

In a memo, Shane plans to lay down surface gravel before the end of the week and the local bidder, M-T Pit, encountered machinery failure problems.

The board voted 3-1 to have Pike Industries provide surface gravel for the first 1,500 feet of the road project until M-t Pit is operational.

Pike will charge the town $6.75 per yard.

Selectman Josh McHenry requested the board reconsider funding the full-time highway department position that was cut. He said it’s needed for summer projects. The town is getting $191,000 in state revenue sharing and had budgeted for only $110,000.

The board took no action but will discuss the issue at the July 15 meeting.

A special town meeting may be required to allow town officials to increase the highway department operational budget for keeping the employee.

An engineer’s report on the work list for the New Gloucester Library projects will be reviewed and prioritized. The list includes reinforcing the bell tower, opening a vent to the attic, eliminating moisture and mold in the basement and repointing basement walls.

The board expressed concerned for fireworks safety this week and Town Manager Sumner Field III will contact law enforcement officials before Thursday to request enforcement.