The Dresden Board of Selectmen proposed a “do not pick” policy for certain items left at the local recycling center.

On August 12 the board put electrical equipment such as vacuum cleaners and sewing machines, off limits for pickers. The board feared the town could be liable if any of the devices are defective and cause injuries. Selectman Allan Moeller recalled some earlier “picked” items have caused problems.

The matter came before the board in a discussion with recycling center attendant Paul James. He said some residents have left such items for pickers without asking permission from attendants.

“You’re just going to have to keep a better eye on things,” Moeller said to James. The board membder believes some residents are leaving the items for “pickers” as away to avoid paying a disposal fee for metal items.

James said he would pass the board’s new policy to other attendants and residents.

The attendant said he did not need put up a list of the banned items. Moeller agreed.  “I don’t think we need a list. If there is any doubt, then don’t accept it,” he said. “I have no problem telling people you can’t leave this junk.”

Other business

In other business Monday night, the board discussed the possibility of buying road salt through the Greater Portland Council of Governments co-op, which has quoted a price of $49.24 per ton. Without a co-op membership, the cost would be $57 per ton, according to Moeller. In recent years, he estimated the average use of road salt amounts to 450-650 tons.

Moeller said the town should explore the cost of joining the co-op before signing up for the service.

Moeller said Central Maine Power has agreed to take down some trees along Bog Road. He said a rut on Call’s Hill road needs fixing and the town has cut some brush along Blinn Road.