CHESTERVILLE — On May 1 the Chesterville Select Board reviewed outcomes from the recent town meeting, approved several road maintenance projects, and formally acknowledged the resignation of board member Jason Ward.
“The town office is putting out a notice,” Chair John Archer said during the May 1 meeting. “Nomination papers are available starting tomorrow .” The seat will be filled by special election and covers the remainder of Ward’s three-year term. Papers must be returned with at least 25 Chesterville registered voters on or before Thursday June 5th by 4:30pm.
Board member Eric Hilton called Ward “good to work with,” and Earl Martin agreed the resignation was a loss to the board. The board plans to finalize the election date at a future meeting.
Discussion then shifted to projects approved by voters at the town meeting. One of the largest was a $6,200 gravel improvement for Ridge Road. “That road needs it,” Hilton said. “I say we go ahead.”
The board also agreed to allocate $4,000 for a culvert replacement on Dutch Gap Road following Public Works recommendations. “That one always floods. Let’s get ahead of it,” Hilton said.
In addition, the board confirmed its intent to contribute $15,000 to the Fire Truck Reserve Account, which currently holds around $34,000. “The chief is asking for a $15,000 addition this year,” Archer said. The increase will come from surplus and is intended to help the town avoid long-term borrowing. “Helps with transparency,” Archer added.
Chair Archer also noted that paperwork for Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement related to the December 2023 storm has been submitted. “Estimate is around $8,000, but not final,” he said. “Could be six to eight weeks.”
Other items discussed included the town’s solid waste fee, which is expected to rise by 5% this year, bringing the total to approximately $38,000. “Still cheaper than going back to private hauling,” Martin said.
The board tabled a proposal to repaint the interior of the Town Office and will seek additional estimates before taking action. Members also supported adding a non-binding question to a future ballot to gauge interest in broadband expansion. “We can include a non-binding question on the ballot,” Martin said. Archer suggested the wording: “Would you support town involvement in broadband expansion?”
The board will meet again May 15 to discuss the election date.
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