Higher bid accepted for town insurance

DOVER-FOXCROFT – To keep business local, selectmen on Wednesday awarded a contract to a Dover-Foxcroft company even though the bid was about $2,500 higher than the lower bid submitted for property and liability insurance.

One selectman, Tom Lizotte, abstained from the vote, and Robin Merrill opposed the move, believing the lower bid should be accepted.

Both bids were higher than anticipated.

The town has conducted business with the George E. Howard Insurance Agency for about 20 years and town officials have been pleased with the service provided, Town Manager Owen Pratt said Thursday.

The local firm offered a yearly premium of $48,747 for the town’s various insurance needs, while the Maine Municipal Association submitted a quote of $46,215 for the year.

The bids were more than the $38,500 town officials had budgeted for the service.

As a result, Pratt said residents would be asked at the June 23 annual town meeting to increase the amount for insurance by $10,247.

In other business Wednesday, Pam Pultz, who lives behind the Congregational church, asked for help to control the noise and foul language generated from those who frequent the nearby basketball court. Her request was referred to the board’s recreation committee.

Dover-Foxcroft Police Chief Dennis Dyer, who attended Wednesday’s meeting, admitted there was a problem with vulgar language and actions taken by young adults using the facility.

He said Thursday that he would work with the recreation committee on a solution.

Selectmen this week also awarded a contract to Edgerly Plumbing and to electrician Walter Emmons to install a heating system at the new police station.

The pair’s bid of $5,800 was the lowest of four submitted. Earlier in the month, Edgerly Plumbing also was awarded the plumbing contract. Elwood Edgerly, owner of the company and a selectman, abstained from the vote on both occasions.

Pratt reported that fuel oil bids were awarded to Robinson Oil Co. The bid process was undertaken by a consortium of municipalities and school districts.

By combining their efforts, the parties involved received a price of 85 cents per gallon for fuel oil, 95 cents per gallon for propane, $1.03 per gallon for kerosene, $1.05 for unleaded gasoline, and 90 cents per gallon for diesel fuel.

During the summer months, selectmen will meet once a month: June 24, July 28, and Aug. 25.