RANGELEY — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, April 22, conducted a second reading of the by-laws needed to form an ad hoc committee to study Haley Pond dam.

The goal of the committee is to review water levels and dam monitoring. In addition, the committee will determine ownership of the dam and will report back to the town manager and selectmen with recommendations regarding operational responsibility of the dam.

“In this committee, long term, is there ever an intention for the town to release any kind of management efforts for this dam? I understand the intention of it historically,” Selectman Keith Savage said. “We control a portion of water into Rangeley Lake. Overall, Brookfield controls everything. We have a small stake in what we own. The state owns the water. What is the true need for the dam? Why do we have to be involved in it?”

Town Manager Joe Roach said that is what he would like the committee to explore.

“That is an incredible question,” he said. “One of the key questions to ask in this process is: why do we need it and does the town need to be involved? There may be other things that we want to explore. I know water levels are a concern. I think it should be looked at with an open mind but I have that question, certainly.”

Chairman James Jannace said the dam had been left open all the winter.

“The pond is just about ready to go out,” he said. I’ve never seen it as low as it is now. There does need to be some control of it if you want to maintain the pond.”

Selectman Samantha White asked about including representation from Dallas Plantation.

“There are folks that live on the other side of Haley Pond, which would be in Dallas,” Town Manager Joe Roach said. “The dam is situated entirely in Rangeley. In terms of water levels, you might want some input from someone that is a Dallas resident.”

Dallas Plantation residents could voice their concerns during committee meetings, which will be open to the public, he said.

Roach said the committee would research and come to an understanding of several points such as why the town is involved, the pros and cons of having it, maintenance needs, and who is responsible for it.

The committee will consist of five members. A Wastewater Treatment Facility representative will serve as a liaison.

Those interested in joining the committee should fill out an application for selectmen to review. Applications are available at the Town Office and on the town’s website, townofrangeley.com.