NG Board of Selectman looks at proposed capital expenditures - By Tracy Schetchel.

The New Gloucester Board of Selectmen met on November 3 to primarily discuss Capital Improvement Plan requests for the upcoming budget preparation. During public comment, Jean Libby announced that, due to the excessive wind last Sunday, the Veterans Memorial dedication had been postponed until Sunday, November 8 at 1 p.m. Also during public comment, Board Chair Steve Libby relinquished to vice chair Linda Chase in order to address the board as a member of the public. Libby spoke in opposition to the proposed MSAD 15 bond referendum questions. He referred to upwards of $800,000 in potential CIP expenditures, commenting that he would not compromise town infrastructure in the name of building ball fields, “I’m voting no,” he concluded.

Once Libby was back at the dais, the board plodded through the Public Works paving management and vehicle and equipment replacement plans; the Transfer Station equipment replacement plan; and the Fire and Rescue Apparatus and Equipment replacement plan. The board approved the Public Works and Transfer Station plans as working documents subject to adjustment as necessary. Fire Chief Sacco was asked to provide more specifics regarding appropriations for his plan.

A letter from New Gloucester Water District Trustee Steve Johnson regarding snow removal at the pump station and around fire hydrants was discussed at length. Currently there is no plan in place to address the snow removal. Town manager Paul First, water district trustees and public works staff will meet to discuss options.

Finally, Libby read through a list of CIP requests ranging from equipment replacement to a fire cistern totaling more than $500,000 that the CIP Committee will be reviewing in preparation for the FY 2016 budget.

The BOS meets next on November 17, and Libby reminded everyone that the Tiny Timber Tree Lighting is scheduled for November 30 at 4:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.