Demolition debris, old tires, mattresses, and household goods are being dumped on Dresden back roads much to the dismay of town officials.

Selectman Allan Moeller Jr. told the board on Monday, Aug. 8 that he recently found several kitchen appliances beside the school bus turnaround at the entrance of Gilmore Brook Road. Further down the discontinued and nearly impassable dirt road a larger dump of household items had been unloaded. Moeller said the pile appeared to be the contents of an entire home.

Earlier this summer, Moeller removed a large mound of dumped roofing shingles found off Indian Road. Loading, transport and disposal of the construction debris cost the town $500, he said.

“They are using it as a dump,” said Moeller.

Moeller suggested that blocking off the road entrance to all but recreational vehicles may be the only way to stop the dumping. 

Following the meeting, Moeller returned to where he saw four gas stoves and a dishwater earlier in the day, only to find a drink cup, an owner’s manual and a check stub.

Moeller said he planned to show the large dump site to state wardens who may be able to gather additional clues on the dumper. He also wants to set up motion cameras on the road.

If caught, the dumper could face a $500 fine, said Moeller.

In other business, selectmen read a note from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The note came in an envelope that also contained a portion of the town’s unsold ATV license stickers. The note stated that the department wanted all of the unsold stickers, not some of them. Selectmen said a book of 20 stickers under the supervision of Town Clerk Pat Theriault has been missing for several weeks. Each sticker is valued at $30 or more.

“It should come out of her account,” said Moeller. 

The board agreed to try to find volunteers to help revitalize a printed and mailed version of the town’s online newsletter, “The Communicator.” Former selectman Dave Probert estimated the cost of printing and distribution at $3,000. That cost could be reduced if the mailing is limited to those who subscribe. He suggested that card-sized ads could also defer some of the cost.

Chairman Dale Hinote said that there are people who would like news about town happenings but do not have access to a computer.

“There are a lot of people that we are missing,” said Hinote.

Former selectman Gerald Lilly was skeptical that the town could find enough volunteers to work on the publication.

“We can’t get enough volunteers to do what we do now,” said Lilly.

The board agreed to hold a workshop in September to develop plans for the newsletter.

Hinote said that the town is still looking to fill two vacancies on the planning board and one on the budget committee.

Selectmen voted to pave 1,500 feet of Bog Road. Selectman Dwight Keene said that without paving, the prep work done this season would be wasted.

Probert volunteered to bushhog the embankment of the town’s new boat ramp. Moeller said when the brush is cleared, up to 20 vehicles could park off the road leading to the ramp.

The board directed Keene to see why excess recycled items at the swap shop were not being picked up on a regular basis. Keene said that the Salvation Army is no longer picking up damaged clothing for rags.

“The market fell out,” said Keene.