What once was a house at 118 Sandwich Road, and what to do with what is now a pile of rubble prompted heated discussion at Tuesday's Selectmen's meeting.

The house was destroyed in a fire in January 2011. Town officials say the owner of the property does not have the financial means to clean up the resulting mess -- and that family members are overwhelmed by the problem. The cost of the clean up will be placed in the form of a lien on the property. The town will be reimbursed when the property is sold.

Selectman Ellen Begley said the property appears on the Board of Health's agenda almost monthly.

"I'm hesitant to let it go another week," Selectman Cara Winslow said. "It's a safety hazard."

She noted that the earliest a hearing on the matter could be scheduled would be the first week of December, and she's worried that the towering pile could be covered with snow by then.

Selectman Michael Schneider agreed that the situation is urgent, but wanted Selectmen to hear the details of the Housing Court case involving the property before they take action.

The selectment voted to order the hearing and hear from the Board of Health Agent and Town Counsel for more information before the hearing takes place. If necessary the hearing will be cancelled.