Sidewalk will extend to Peru bridge

DIXFIELD- Town Manager Eugene Skibitsky stated that a new updated schedule has been released for the Mexico/Dixfield bridge project and that a pre-construction meeting will be held at the end of February for public concerns.

Construction, originally slated for the beginning of January, is now scheduled to begin the third week in March.

“The plan is to keep two lanes of traffic flowing by installing a one-lane temporary bridge up river and dismantle/rebuild the current bridge one lane at a time,” noted Skibitsky. “We are hoping for very little traffic impact.”

As for plans for added space on the sidewalk for pedestrians, snowmobile enthusiasts, etc., Skibitsky stated that there are plans for a large sidewalk on the southerly side of the bridge and extending to the Peru bridge.

At this time, it is unclear when and where the meeting with the Maine Department of Transportation will be held.

In the wake of the passing of longtime Chairman of the Board, Bettina Martin, Steve Donahue has been elected to fill her shoes, with Selectman Norine Clarke to serve as Vice Chairman.

Donahue, vice chairman through this past year, stepped up as Martin's back up when she fell ill and couldn't fulfill her position. In a unanimous decision by selectmen, Chairman Donahue and Vice Chairman Clarke moved in to their new roles. This leaves the board with one vacant seat.

Last month, Chief Pickett noted that Officer David Hodgson was hired by Rumford Police and the town would have to hire another officer. The town would be reimbursed the $30,000 by the Town of Rumford for Officer Hodgson's police academy training as well as any equipment that was purchased specifically for Hodgson.

Pickett suggested reserve officer Ann Simmons Edmunds be hired on full time. Simmons Edmunds currently serves as the town's Animal Control Officer (ACO).

Skibitsky made the appointment of Simmons Edmunds and she is due to begin her full time duties on February 7. She will continue to perform her ACO duties, as well.

In other business, the Board of Selectman received David Harvey's resignation letter from the Finance Committee, bringing the group from 11 members to six. Skibitsky will call an organizational meeting and advertise to the public.