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Maine city to get ATV for remote rescues, fires

The same trailer that will be purchased to transport the ATV will be pulled behind the ATV and carry pumps and other equipment

By Tom Standard
The Sun Journal

TURNER, Maine — Selectmen on Tuesday night approved the purchase of a 2008 Polaris Ranger ATV for use in remote rescues and firefighting.

This machine has 400 miles on it and costs $12,500. It will be paid for from Fire Department and Rescue Department reserve accounts.

Rescue Department member Ross Gagne said the machine has a winch, heated cab and track kit for winter travel. Members will install an extension in the dump bed to support patients on backboards.

Fire Department Capt. Rodney Guptil said the rig would be effective for getting personnel and equipment to remote fires. The same trailer that will be purchased to transport the ATV will be pulled behind the ATV and carry pumps and other equipment into the woods to fight fires, he said.

Gagne and Guptil found the machine through the online classified ad site Craigslist. They inspected the machine in a nearby town and found it to be well maintained and lightly used, they said.

In other business, selectmen reviewed bids for oil delivery and accepted one from Blanchards Cash Fuel Inc. of Turner for $0.25 above “rack” price.

Chairman Angelo Terreri said that the “rack” price is what dealers pay at the Portland terminal. Turner uses approximately 10,000 gallons per year.

In another matter related to the approaching winter, the board decided to consult professional painters about whether to paint the Town House in the town center this fall or wait until next year.

The small house built in 1831 was donated to the town and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Selectman Ralph Caldwell said he thought it was too wet and too late in the season to paint it. He said the paint is peeling from the ends of the house because it was applied when the wood was damp.

Other selectmen were concerned with leaving the building unprotected through the winter.

“I am against painting it now, but there are four more of you on the board. I won’t be mad if you vote to paint it, but in a few years I’ll tell you, ‘I told you so,’” Caldwell said.

Selectmen decided to get expert advice before deciding what to do.

Kay Rand, representing Central Maine Power Co., attended the meeting to explain the new smart meters being installed statewide. Installations in Turner should begin this fall or in early winter, she said.

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