BUCKFIELD — After two years of trying to get an unpermitted junkyard issue resolved, selectmen set an Oct. 31 deadline for the tenant to clean up the yard or be taken to court, according to Town Manager Cindy Dunn.

Dunn told the board about the ongoing problem at 17 Depot St., writing that the tenant told her he was waiting for parts for his lawnmower before he could clean up the area. 

“In all honesty, I heard this plan of action the last time I spoke with him and I fear that is going to be the plan next time I speak with him,” she wrote. “I have been taking the neighborly approach with him to resolve the issue. However, this approach has taken two years now and with the winter months quickly approaching, I suspect the next excuse is going to be, ‘It’s too cold – there’s too much snow.’”

At Dunn’s recommendation, selectmen set the Oct. 31 deadline to have the issue resolved. If it’s not, she will meet with legal counsel to take the issue to court.

In other business, selectmen approved amendment to the General Assistance Ordinance.

They also approved of Buckfield High School students hosting their annual haunted hayride Oct. 28 and 29 at Bessey Field in Buckfield.

Selectmen appointed C. Gene Coffman to the Planning Board, whose term expires on June 30, 2019.

Dunn said there are a number of other openings on town boards and committees, including:

• One seat each on the Appeals Board, Budget Committee, Community Day Committee and Economic Development Committee;

• One Buckfield and one Hartford seat on on the Library Committee.

• Two seats each on the Beautification, Parks and Conservation Committee, and the Road Committee;

• Three seats on the Planning Board; and

• Seven seats on the 14-person Recreation Committee.

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