News in brief DEXTER: HEWITT BUILDING TO REMAIN TOWN PROPERTY

The Dexter Town Council voted last week to keep the Hewitt building as town property and to make the necessary repairs needed. There had been some discussion and an inquiry in the past about the purchase of the building, but council members learned that a restriction in the deed would prevent its sale or transfer. The deed stipulates that the building must be used to serve the health care needs of Dexter residents. It is currently being leased to Hospital Administrative District 4 as a doctor’s office and laboratory, although the written lease lapsed a few months ago. Town officials are working with HAD 4 officials to renegotiate the lease, according to Dexter Town Manager Judy Doore. She said the possibility of selling or transferring the building was raised because of the costly maintenance and upkeep of the facility. The building needs a new roof and cosmetic repairs. There also are issues with parking and handicap accessibility, she said. “We are committed to maintaining it in a more consistent way in the future,” Doore said.