WILTON – The stone arch bridge on Old Country Road has been closed for several years while a plan is developed to preserve it. While the arch itself is in good repair, a problem was found with the retaining wall on one side, and drainage on the road on the upper end.

The arch, built in 1867, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If it were to be repaired under state highway rules, it would have to replaced by a bridge “capable of handling heavy traffic.” The road currently serves two residents. Those residents have been using the other end of the road from Route 101.

Fred Roedel owns the surrounding land. He met with selectmen on Monday, April 18, to discuss the problem. His family wants the road open and is willing to help. He has been involved in the town’s discussions with several contractors, the most recent of whom backed out of the project.

Roedel has previously suggested a private/public partnership.

“How do we go about it?” he asked. “I have a problem with having my road closed.”

Several options were discussed including making it a private road; signing a maintenance agreement with the town; or keeping the road closed.

A preservationist in Vermont has looked at the bridge and suggested a repair plan, but the cost was high.

“Let’s get together and get this done,” Roedel suggested.

Selectman Chairman Kermit Williams asked, “Would you be willing to help fund the project.”

Both Roedel and his son, also Fred, said they would.

Resident Tom Schultz said, “It’s a public road and should be open to the public.

It’s on the Historic Register for a reason and it should be protected.”

The board and the Roedels agreed “to move ahead,” get “the real numbers,” the costs of various options, and reach an agreement. They will meet again when those figures have been obtained.

Fish said, “Let’s get it to something we both want.”

In other business, Cemetery Trustee Mary Ann Shea asked about the maintenance of Mount Calvary Cemetery, which is owned by the Catholic Diocese but maintained by the town under a long-term agreement. However, since the Sacred Heart Church closed, there has been confusion about the sale of grave sites. The cemetery is closed form November to May.

“It’s not town-owned, so how can you sell sites? “she asked. Previously that was handled by the priest. There are Catholics who wish to be buried there.

It was agreed that Town Administrator Nick Gervaise would contact the Diocese.

Shea also inquired about the disposal of unmarked burial urns that had been discovered. “We can’t bury people without names,” she said.

That, too, will be looked into.

Jennifer Beck was sworn in as a member of the Conservation Commission.

She asked the board to accept a bid for work on the New Reservoir trails, which they did.

She also asked the board to sign a letter of intent to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for work on the Frog Pond dam. Costs of repairs to the dam have been estimated at “about a half million dollars.” The grant would be up to $300,000 and Beck said there are several other programs that can be applied for.

The board agreed saying they were not committed to anything at this point.

A verbal agreement was reached with the Wilton Junior Athletic Association concerning regular mowing of athletic fields and use of the porty-potties by the general public, particularly on Carnival Hill. A formal agreement will be worked out for next year.

The next meeting was set for Monday, May 2, 6 p.m., in the Town Hall Courtroom.