Dresden selectmen voted Tuesday to join Wiscasset Parks and Recreation Department through the Community Partnership Program. 

The membership will qualify Dresden residents for discounts on individual and family memberships for access to center facilities and programs, according to outgoing center director Lisa Thompson.

“We are welcoming other communities,” said Thompson. Of the surrounding towns, only Alna and Westport Island have taken advantage of the partnership, she said.

The one-year renewable contract would cost the town $5,000. That offer is based on a town population of 1,788 residents and would amount to $2.79 annually per person, said Thompson. Included is a 10% discount to veterans and senior citizens. Nine Community Partner Days per year provide free access to Dresden residents, she said.

Thompson said the partnership was at a 50 percent discount from a previous offer. As many as 130 Dresden residents are either current or past members of the center, she said.

“It is the best investment for your health. I would rather go there than to a doctor,” said resident Jane Gower.

Selectman Trudy Foss said the membership would be a proper use of funds in the town’s recreation department account. Over $5,000 accrues each year from franchise fees collected from cable television providers, said Foss.

“I don’t see any reason why not,” said Foss.

Selectmen agreed the membership charge would not require town meeting approval because dispersements of the account are under the board’s control.

Tempers flared when gravel pit owner Heather Beasley questioned the board in the citizen’s business portion of the meeting. The board had previously passed over an agenda item dealing with the dispute between Beasley and the town. Foss said that the board could not discuss the item on the advice of town attorney Jessica Avery.

“We are not discussing this tonight,” said Foss.

Under citizen’s business, Beasley questioned the amount of funds paid to Avery over a stop work order and the ownership of Ballard Road. Town Administrator Michael Henderson said the town had paid out $3,210 to date. She asked how much had been paid to Jay Robbins to study Ballard Road. Henderson said no invoice had been submitted for payment. Beasley asked for copies of all contracts the town had for roads and plowing.

Selectman Allan Moeller Sr. responded that the contracts were not part of the issue with Beasley and her pit.

“The violations for the gravel pit have nothing to do with the town roads,” replied Moeller.

Beasley insisted her questions be answered by Foss and not by Moeller.

The board then gave Beasley three minutes to conclude her questioning. After the time expired, Beasley was asked to leave the meeting. When Beasley continued, Foss went to the security phone.

The board then voted to go into executive session to discuss town office personnel.