SELECT BOARD MEETING AGENDA/MINUTES
09/01/2026
Selectperson, David Bright (2027) Clerk, Julie Bonin
Chair, Serena Bemis(2028) Treasurer, Shirlene Lindsey
Selectperson, John Barry(2029) Public Works Director, Tim Rogers
Present-Serena Bemis, John Barry, Shirlene Lindsey, Julie Bonin, Tim Rogers
Absent-David Bright-participating by phone.
Others present-Tom & Lois Rowe, Randy Nason, Ryan Hopkins, Susie Hopkins, Sandy Cromwell, Janice Boyd, Dwight Eddy, Beth Swartz
CALL MEETING TO ORDER - FLAG SALUTE- Serena opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS – None
APPROVE MINUTES – August 18, 2026, Minutes- A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as written. The motion passed unanimously.
4. WARRANTS- A. Payroll- #30 $8,255.99
B. Accts. Payable- #31-$ 195,078.26
The Board reviewed and approved the warrants. The Board signed the warrants.
Serena called David for him to participate on speaker phone as he is absent due to a knee operation.
OLD BUSINESS- Updates-
Fire Department/H.U.D- Serena is in hopes of getting the contract by the end of September. H.U.D. has also “loosely” said Dixmont could have the money by the end of February. Serena is optimistic that the “ball is rolling.”
Special Town Meeting overview- For those that did not attend the meeting both articles passed. Dixmont now has a Property Maintenance Ordinance.
PUBLIC WORKS- Tim Rogers gave an overview of what he has been doing. He has been trimming bush on different roads with a rented excavator and mulching head. He said there still a lot to do. He is talking to Garrit McKee about winter sand (which Tim started talking to Garrit about in June.) Tim said next week Garrit will be getting sand. Tim has already talked to the people about salt. They just need a couple of days’ notice, and they can haul some up. Tim said he realizes there are roads that need to be graded and smoothed out but he says you can not do this when the weather is this dry. The roads are too solid, and it also makes a dusty mess.
Discussion of possible Sale of Equipment/Western Star- Tim has talked to Freightliner who has offered $60,000 for the 2017 Western Star. Tim said in the three years he has been Road Commissioner the Town has put close to $20,000 into this truck with the emission issue. He said we have only put 5,000 miles in that time. After more discussion, the Board authorized Tim to call Freightliner tomorrow.
Tim also would like to get rid of the wheeled excavator as he says it is too big for our needs. Including the bucket that was purchased the Town has $20,000 in it. Serena said list it to see if there is interest and if not, maybe the Auction. She said she would like to get the $20,000 we have into it but would be shocked if we do. John Barry asked if the loader is ready for winter. Tim said it’s getting there. There was a flat tire that was fixed yesterday. Serena asked about ditching. Tim said that Damon Wilson is getting done with his contract. He will help with sand and then they will start ditching. Damon will be for trucking.
PUBLIC SAFETY- Ryan said an individual in town will be donating the Septic Design for the Fire Department.
REC DIRECTOR POSITION/PROPOSAL- Jeannie Clements attended the meeting with the Etna/Dixmont Recreation Program Consolidation Proposal. (see attached) After much discussion John Barry made a motion to appoint Jeannie Clements as Rec Director. Motion passed unanimously and the Board signed the appointment paper.
UARRC REPRESENATIVE- Dixmont is need of a Representative for Dixmont to UARRC. There was much discussion. Dwight Eddy would like to get some information of what this position entails. UARRC meet the 3rd Thursday of the month, and Tim would like to see someone there for that meeting to represent Dixmont. Serena would like Tim to get any information that he can get for Dwight. At the next board meeting the Board will appoint someone to the position.
COMPLAINT/LOIS ROWE- Serena read Lois’ written complaint. Tim Rogers said that he plans to have calcium part of his budget for next year. He has looked into the numbers and has found the cost of Flaked calcium in $795 a ton. He says Dixmont will need 56 tons for a one-time application. A question was asked about pellets versus flake to which Tim said pellets are much more expensive. There was discussion about that. Beth Swartz would like to see calcium avoided or at least a lesser amount being spread adjacent to valuable wetlands.
MISC/PUBLIC COMMENT—
Janice Boyd would like to create a list of those people that are most at risk in town that would/could be checked on, especially during emergency situations.
Tom Rowe brought up the possibility of looking into the State helping out with calcium on the Cottrell Road when changing out the culvert on Rt 143 just before Simpson corner and Miles Rd in the event that the Cottrell is used for a detour. Dwight Eddy would like to see a temporary speed reduction on the Cottrell Road during this project as he foresees an uptick in traffic.
Janice asked that now the Property Maintenance Ordinance has been passed what is the next steps. Serena said that when a person comes to make a formal written complaint, the complaint will be forwarded to the appropriate people, i.e., C.E.O. and/or Health Officer, it will be looked into and proceed appropriately. Serena wanted to emphasize working with the landowner is the first thing that should be done.
Christine McLain’ s family would like to have the Boston Post Cane presented to her on September 26th at the Snowmobile Club at 11:00 to 2:00. The Board said they could be there at 11:30. Julie will call Melodee Lister to let her know.
12. SELECTBOARD CONCERNS-
A. David- current power outage and loss of internet of the Kennebec Rd
B. John- Nothing at this time.
C. Serena-Nothing at this time.
13. ADJOURN MEETING –
Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned 7:23pm.