Alna selectmen are starting work on a deal with the Atlantic Salmon Federation for its project at Head Tide Dam. In March, town meeting voters authorized the board to negotiate a contract.

Selectmen said May 11, they will be reviewing the draft they got via email May 8 from ASF’s vice president of U.S. programs, Andy Goode. He states in the email, he would like to meet to discuss the draft and otherwise catch up. “Other things to consider (are) keeping the same or a different small committee together that can be lead in working with ASF to stay updated on the schedule (and) review draft iterations of the design ...”

One selectmen-appointed committee worked a year; then the board appointed a smaller one that continued working with ASF and supported the proposal that went to selectmen. Plans have called for a project that would cost the town nothing, replace a deteriorating abutment on the century-old, concrete dam and aid fish passage.

Goode adds in the email, he would like to have the board meet a new hire at ASF. Bobby Van Riper will work closely with him over the next three years and be a local presence in the Sheepscot Watershed, Goode writes.

The draft, dated May 5, seeks daytime access to the dam from July 15 to Oct. 30 in 2018, 2019 and 2020; ASF would notify the town at least 14 days before starting work each year. It would also provide quarterly updates and attend at least one selectmen’s meeting a year. Goode confirmed in an email response to the Wiscasset Newspaper May 12, the draft’s reference to dam removal in one paragraph was an error.

Under the draft, ASF would get any local, state and federal permits, and would be responsible for cleanup and correcting any defects in the work.

In other business, selectmen decided to go back out to bid on mowing for a one-year deal, with an option to renew. They had first sought a three-year deal. Their three-year one with Achorn & Sons ended in 2016. The business was the lone bidder for the next three years, proposing $4,500 this year, $4,600 in 2018 and $4,700 in 2019. First Selectman David Abbott told fellow board members May 11, owner Gerald Achorn said he wasn’t making money charging $2,700 last year. Achorn cited costs including liability insurance and workers’ compensation, Abbott said.

Bids close May 24, the same day as plowing bids. Fire Chief Mike Trask asked selectmen to have the next contract call for keeping hydrants clear of windrows during a storm and having three trucks in town during a storm. Selectmen told Trask they will look at bidders’ ability to do the job.

Selectmen met in executive session to review the five applications received for town clerk. Applications closed May 10, selectmen said. Departing Town Clerk Lisa Arsenault and selectmen said they have discussed her possibly staying on another month, to help with the June 13 election and the new clerk’s transition.