By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
NEW SWEDEN — The main focus of the Oct. 2 meeting of New Sweden’s selectmen was the road report given by Road Crew Foreman Shawn Dube.
Dube reported that the sand was in for the winter and the trucks were going to have winter equipment installed soon.
In keeping with the winter theme, Dube also reviewed the sand supply for last year and commented that it was one thousand yards less due to two roads in the community that were closed last winter. The smaller amount of sand being used and calibrating the sanders resulted in a savings of around $10,000, according to Dube’s report.
Dube then put out a call to the community, asking to organize a road committee that would be made up of citizens willing to volunteer their time next spring and summer to view the roads and help Dube’s maintenance crew formulate a plan for repair, taking into consideration necessary labor and cost. New Sweden citizen Don Labrie, who has extensive experience supervising road crews and selling heavy equipment, offered his service in helping coordinate this committee and providing input on a road repair plan. Labrie’s offer was gratefully accepted and more discussion with him will follow.
The meeting continued with routine discussion of smaller issues and signing of warrants.
Higher taxes have been a recent point of contention in the town of New Sweden, resulting in more public participation in the selectmen meetings. Approximately five people joined this meeting; however, during the public comment period, minimal comments were made regarding the tax issue.
A small debate did take place regarding how to educate the public on the town’s financial issues. Select Board Chairman Ray Hildebrand emphasized how important it is for citizens to attend meetings of the selectmen and school board in order to offer their input and ask questions about topics they don’t understand. Hildebrand also encouraged those citizens who feel they have more knowledge about such issues to put every effort forth into helping educate their fellow citizens.
The next selectmen’s meeting will take place on Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at New Sweden’s Town Office.
