A Woolwich man hopes the select board will reconsider its decision to forgo removing snow from the town’s two sidewalks. Jim Gabor brought up the sidewalks Tuesday night.

The sidewalks run through the center of the business district. The main one, on the east side of Route 1, runs from the Dairy Queen to just beyond the Cumberland Farms. Along the way it passes the post office and the pedestrian tunnel that provides access to the war memorial on the opposite side of the highway.

Gabor said when the state plows the highway, the sidewalks get covered,  making them unusable and causing pedestrians to walk on the roadside. Gabor attempted to address the problem with state officials and was referred back to the town.

Select board chair David King Sr. said clearing the sidewalks after every storm was an expensive proposition. “I honestly can’t see spending up to $50,000 for snow removal for sidewalks that are so infrequently used.”

But King said Gabor could circulate a petition and bring his argument directly to the townspeople.

“I think you could make a case why this is needed but it would be up to the voters to decide at town meeting whether to pass it,” added Selectman Allison Hepler.

Selectman Dale Chadbourne doubted voters would agree the expense was warranted. “Most people in town don’t have sidewalks. You’re fighting an uphill battle,” he told Gabor.

“If he gets a petition then it’s up to the townspeople to decide,” commented Selectman Jason Shaw.

In other business, the board authorized EMS Director Brian Carlton to purchase an all-terrain rescue skid. Carlton will use funds from the sale of surplus stretchers and monies remaining in the ambulance department’s donation account.

Last year, the ambulance department purchased an $1,800 rescue wheel from private donations.

The fire department responded to five calls over the last two weeks; two were motor vehicle-related and two were for flooded basements, according to Fire Chief Mike Demers.  

Prior to convening for their regular meeting, selectmen met for a half hour with members of the Recreation Committee. Leslie Gallant said the committee sponsored a number of programs last year for youngsters and adults. Those included kayaking and an outing to Swan Island.

Between 75 and 80 youngsters are participating in the program’s basketball program. Gallant said 95 tickets were sold for a planned group trip to see the Red Claws. And the program has paid rent for a swimming event at Wiscasset Community Center Feb. 10.

Beth Harrington, who administers the recreation program, hopes the organization can remain volunteer-based. The group has a Facebook page and information on the town website.

At Hepler’s request, the committee agreed to look into providing child care services for the annual town meeting April 28.