Town to demolish building

MEXICO -- Selectmen have awarded a bid to have a tax-acquired building demolished in an ongoing effort to remove buildings located in a flood zone.

At their May 24 meeting, the board approved the lowest of two bids, $2,600 from T.W. Lawncare, to take down the buildings at 23 Dix Ave. The debris will be buried on the property. Even though the bid was less than half of the competing bid, the expense will deplete the reserve account dedicated to this service.

In other business, selectmen accepted the lone bid for a plow truck chassis, body and cab. The town will spend up to $73,290 for an International from Portland North Truck Center. The business will also allow a $4,000 trade-in for the 1985 stripped plow truck it replaces, but the board will first try to sell the truck outright to see if they can get more money for it.

In comparison, Town Manager John Madigan said the last time they bid out a plow truck in 2006, the price was $56,695.

This time, he said the town is looking for a truck body with the sander built into it, providing a larger payload, which is good for the longer runs and will save money. Although the town will be able to use some of the equipment off the old plow truck for the new one, he projected the total cost will be around $130,000.

It will take much of the summer to outfit the new ploy truck, which will be done by Howard P. Fairfield.

The board approved a request for a toll road by the Mexico Fire Relief Association, represented by Seth Marshall. He said it will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 in front of Big Daddy's on Main Street.

Proceeds will go towards the purchase of a six-wheel ATV, which will be donated to the fire department for incidents in the woods like fires and accidents. There are 45-48 miles of ATV/snowmobile trails in Mexico. Fire Chief Gary Wentzell added that the ATV will also be able to haul the rescue trailer, donated years back by the River Valley ATV Club.

The town remains unable to sell the former superintendent's building at the town-owned building on Recreation Drive. Acting upon a recommendation of the realtor for the property, selectmen agreed to reduce the asking price from $325,000 to $100,000.

Board Chairman Barbara Laramee was given a bouquet of flowers to mark her last meeting as a member of the board. Laramee has served the past five years as chairwoman, and nine years in all.

Selectmen approved the installation of four new stop signs at the following locations -- corner of Burton and Bucknum streets; Burton and Monroe streets; Carver and Howard streets; and Brigham and Howard streets.

After reviewing the six bids for painting the outside of the public library, decided to table their decision until their next meeting so they could study them more.

Selectmen will not meet again until Tuesday, June 28. Madigan said that at that time, it's expected that a representative from Central Maine Power will address public questions regarding the smart meters that they plan to install in the community in the near future.