KINGFIELD — Selectmen on Monday evening had their first look at the Franklin County Hazard Mitigation Plan, which offers municipal officials an opportunity to identify specific areas vulnerable to seasonal and natural disasters.

Administrative Assistant Leanna Targett presented the county’s updated plan, which addresses possible hazards and efficient and affordable solutions to deal with them.

In Maine, emergency management is coordinated by county directors and their Emergency Management agencies. Appointed by Franklin County commissioners, the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is funded by both county and federal governments.

Targett and selectmen agreed that although another Tropical Storm Irene was unlikely, roads and bridges were a priority in any weather emergency. The town has received Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance in past years, and selectmen agreed to study vulnerabilities to prepare for the future.

“(FEMA) certainly has been helpful to the town in times of flood,” Selectman John Dill said.

Selectmen will review the plan with Fire Chief Chuck Twitchell and other municipal officials.

In other matters, Selectman Brian Hatfield shared his investigation of options for replacement of the Town Office furnace. He suggested considering an on-demand hot water heater and a switch for the existing hot water heater. The kitchen in Webster Hall is used regularly by outside groups for activities, receptions and other special events, and selectmen were concerned that the current furnace might fail. Hatfield said he didn’t recommend making a quick decision.

“If a boiler passes its efficiency rating, which is about 85 percent, it doesn’t need to be replaced,” Hatfield said.

Selectmen also reviewed a property owner’s complaint that his real estate was unfairly valued.

Targett said the owner submitted the same complaint before, despite Targett’s efforts to explain how the property’s valuation was calculated.

Selectmen agreed to take no action on the request.

Selectmen also reviewed progress of the Village Enhancement Committee’s plan to open a newly expanded and improved public parking space between the wastewater treatment plant and the snowmobile club’s sled shed on Route 27.

The large parking lot, which is set apart from nearby fields and buildings, will serve multiuse recreational groups and individuals, with a clearly defined entrance and exit. The fields are next to the Carrabassett River, and people walk, cross country ski, snowmobile and ride all-terrain vehicles throughout the year. A nearby hill also has been used for sledding parties. 

The parking area has been cleared, graded and topped with gravel. Although it’s not quite ready for public use, it should be open before the end of the year.