Otisfield board approves town garage security

OTISFIELD —  The town's new garage will be fully equipped with a security system after selectmen voted unanimously to purchase one for $5,750 at their December 19 meeting.  

At its November 21 meeting, the board of selectmen said security was needed in response to a break-in at the building November 19, when nearly $500 worth of copper piping was stolen.

"It doesn't make sense to build the building and not have it armed," said Selectman Rick Micklon. "Otherwise, why even buy all those tools and equipment?" 

Selectman Lenny Adler, during the meeting, presented two separate proposals from Great Falls Security in Auburn for surveillance at the garage. 

The board voted to purchase a closed-circuit TV monitoring and recording system for $3,885, which includes four video cameras. The proposal also includes a camera for an outdoor shed for an additional $536. 

"I'm all for it," said Adler, "just as long as we consider the possibility that even with that [camera] there, we might not spot them [burglars]." 

Board members also voted to purchase a burglar alarm system for $1,329, including an interior and exterior siren, along with a $240 annual maintenance fee.

"It comes with a blue strobe light guaranteed to wake the dead," said Adler.

According to Adler, the town is already contracted with GFS for security at the transfer station, the salt shed and the town office. 

The new system will be paid for with funds from the town garage reserve account, selectmen said. 

In addition, Micklon said he would be meeting with a locksmith at the garage to do a short survey of the locks so they can be changed. 

Construction of the garage, which began last August, is nearing completion, said Micklon. During the meeting he shared with selectmen a proposal from Oxford contractor Building Solutions to paint the remaining primed sections of the garage, including the office, bathroom, break room and ceilings. 

Selectmen accepted the proposal for $979. "It's a reasonable price," Micklon said. 

In other news, the board: 

• Agreed money that has been appropriated for community luncheons is meant solely for supporting luncheons (not for recreational activities, such as dance lessons.)