Thefts prompt town to seek better security

OTISFIELD — A new security system is needed around the town's salt shed, the Board of Selectmen decided at its meeting January 18, after someone had stolen town equipment, including fuel from the town's vehicles.

Chairman Hal Ferguson presented the board with surveillance photos taken on the evening of December 22, when the alleged thief, or thieves, trespassed onto town property.

The thieves have not yet been identified, said Ferguson.

"As you can see ... even if there was a person there, you probably could not tell," said Ferguson, pointing out the poor quality of the picture, "so we obviously need to do something else."

Selectman Rick Micklon agreed with Ferguson's proposal, saying that another local town has experienced the same problems, and has invested some money into more reliable surveillance.

"They saw the people cutting fences and coming onto the property," said Micklon, who declined to comment on the name of the town. "They [the thieves] acted like they owned the place ... and did their thing. The town changed their system to a silent alarm, so when they [the thieves] cut the fence, they breached the infrared, and the police and the owner was called."

According to Micklon, purchasing a new security camera would be a good investment for the town of Otisfield. He said that is also dependent on how much the town is willing to spend for a new system.

"I can help you guys. I can make it worth your while, if you feel that it's your goal to identify someone," he said.

"We might [still] need those cameras there, because those two buildings are still going to be there," said Ferguson. "We would want to interface with the town garage also."

Ferguson reported that the thieves managed to steal nearly $2,000 worth of fuel and equipment, including snow chains from the town's sand truck.

"It's more than just a matter of economics," said Ferguson. "It's safety, and other things."

While most of the stolen equipment belonged to the town, Ferguson said that some equipment also belonged to Richard Bean, the town's road commissioner. Bean's equipment was on town property during the theft, said Ferguson.

Ferguson suggested that Bean give the town an inventory of stolen items, so the town could reimburse him. The town's insurance would cover the loss of the town equipment, but it would not cover the items that were stolen from Bean, said Ferguson.

According to Ferguson, this is not the first time someone has stolen town equipment from the salt/sand shed area.

Board members agreed to look into a better security system to keep a closer eye on town equipment.

"That [existing] camera is intended for taking [shots of] wildlife very close up," said Ferguson. "It's not intended for taking something 100 feet away. There was no way of telling whose face it was."

In other news, the board:

• Heard from Planning Board Vice Chair Dan Peaco that most of the stones in the Bell Hill Cemetery are in danger of falling and need to be reset, and that the vinyl fencing around the cemetery also needs to be replaced. Peaco reported that the cemetery reserve fund ($35,000) would take care of the costs.

• Appointed Mike Hooker as fire chief of the Otisfield Fire Department.

• Accepted the application from Jeff Stern to serve on the Conservation Committee for the next three years. 

• Has officially received all the bids for the renovations of the town office annex. Micklon said that he would meet with architect Dave Hart next week to review the bids.