Palmyra, recycling center owners make deal

PALMYRA – “Mountains of plastic milk bottles” left behind at an abandoned recycling business will soon disappear, according to an out-of-court settlement announced at the Wednesday night selectmen’s meeting.

Code Enforcement Officer William Murphy told Palmyra selectmen the long-standing battle to clean up the property of Victor and Florence Kimball on Miller Corner Road has been resolved.

Kimball reportedly agreed to pay all fines and court fees and begin a cleanup in 45 days. The settlement requires the Kimballs to contain the recyclable milk bottles in that time period and completely clean up the property within 45 to 60 days of its being sold.

The Kimballs abandoned a recycling and garbage collection business in 1996, leaving neighbors to battle blowing debris and an increase in rats and flies. More than a year ago, selectmen authorized Murphy to pursue legal action against the couple who had left the state.

In other business, the board signed a contract with Gordon Davis of Guilford to reconstruct the dam at White’s Pond in the spring of 2001.

The project was delayed this year when the only bid submitted was more than twice the engineer’s estimate. Town officials were told the project to construct a steel-pile dam should cost about $48,000. Davis will build the dam for $55,280.

The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service and the town will provide funding for the dam. Officials anticipate the Department of Marine Resources also may participate to extend the local funds.

Sprague informed the board the payment for Newport fire protection was sent along with a letter asking for a two-year renewal, hopefully for the same price of $19,000.

As part of an employee review, Paul Gatcomb was placed on salary at $500 a week for a 40-hour week with the public works department.

” He’s doing an excellent job,” said Sprague. “In fact, both public works guys are doing excellent.”

Sprague also announced that nomination papers for March elections are available at the town office. Two selectmen’s positions are open as are two SAD 48 director posts. The terms of Sheila Later and Robert Squires will expire, as well as school board member Peggy Gannon. All three held three-year terms.

A one-year term is available on the school board to fulfill the unexpired term of Kavin Philbrook. When Philbrook resigned the position, Ron Curtis was appointed to fill it until the next election.