PHILLIPS — The end of a complex and expensive road reconstruction project is near.

On Tuesday night, Road Commissioner Ward Bredeau said the Bragg Corner culvert replacement project is proceeding, according to schedule.

Last week, the road construction crew, with the help of a large crane, placed a 20-foot wide cement culvert in the bed of Warm Stream at the intersection of the Toothaker Pond and Reeds Mill roads.

The culvert has to be positioned below the streambed, Bredeau said, because Atlantic salmon have to be able to migrate upstream to spawn. He said the process has been challenging, but he will begin filling the remaining roadway and finishing the surface to allow traffic to pass. He hopes to have the road open by Dec. 5, based on weather conditions and his work schedule.

Selectmen also reviewed the progress of securing animal control officer services, because Josh Bachelder recently resigned.

Since Avon and Phillips shared Bachelder’s services before he resigned, the municipalities plan to communicate with Strong to determine what costs they will be required to pay. If any one of the towns dropped out of a proposed three-way agreement, selectmen wanted to ensure they would not have to buy new equipment.

Ann Dunne, Strong’s animal control officer, lives in that town, and Strong voters approved paying for her recertification and the purchase of new catch poles, traps and cages.

Dunne has given Town Manager Elaine Hubbard a list of equipment she will require when she assumes her new duties.

“We have a Havahart trap and a couple of carriers,” Hubbard said. “Unfortunately, our equipment is no good or nonexistent.”

Bachelder returned a broken catch pole, and one of the cages may have a broken handle, she told selectmen.

Selectman Andy Phillips said he will contact representatives from Avon and Strong to learn more about their options.

In other matters, Hubbard said school board member Lori Berry sent her letter of resignation. She is moving to another school district, and Hubbard said Carrie Bredeau has offered to take her place. Bredeau can start her duties at the next school board meeting in December.

Hubbard said the current list of 20 property foreclosures is down from last year’s 24. She will contact an auctioneer to plan the process of selling the parcels of land and the buildings. Two of the buildings are occupied, according to Phillips, but Hubbard said that the buildings still could be auctioned.