Dresden selectmen

Selectmen discuss ‘severe weather policy’

Wed, 01/10/2018 - 7:45am

Dresden selectmen on Monday night looked over Administrative Assistant Michael Henderson’s draft on town closures during times of severe weather.

The draft states if Dresden Elementary School and the State Capital both close, the town office would follow suit. Selectmen thought it would be a good idea to make the language slightly vaguer, as frequently weather patterns can vary greatly from one town to another.

“I’ve seen snow in Richmond, and freezing rain in Dresden,” said Selectman Dale Hinote.

The board also suggested the policy take into account  nearby towns and whether or not they are closing.

In the event of a town closure, the draft currently states full-time employees will receive their regular pay for the day, while part-time employees will also be compensated if they were scheduled to work that day.

In other business, newly appointed Budget Committee Chairman Dave Probert said the committee needs more members.

A local resident stated the street signs on his road, Orchard Hill, were missing again at both ends. Selectmen wondered what the draw was, as these particular signs have gone missing several times.

Henderson, who is also the general assistance administrator, does not have a cell phone that works in Dresden. As he is required to be reachable 24 hours a day, selectmen agreed to look into getting him one that will work in Dresden.

Henderson requested he be allowed to purchase a new phone so he can keep his old number, with partial compensation from the town for business purposes. The board agreed to look into this and work with him.

Henry Lyons, who formats the Dresden Communicator, requested to take over as editor as well, because editor Bill Matthews is moving to South Portland. Lyons formats the newsletter for $110 a month, and requested another $40 to edit it. The board found it a reasonable request, and granted it.

Selectmen meet every other Monday at Pownalborough Hall. They meet next on Jan. 22.