RANGELEY — Selectmen granted a liquor license Tuesday to Randall Belanger of Helaire Catering for his new restaurant, 45th Parallel.
The decision followed a public hearing.
The restaurant is in the former Sunset Grill space at the Saddleback Inn on Main Street. The 45th Parallel will feature barbecue and Southern dishes with a New Orleans accent and is projected to open Dec. 9.
Fire Chief Tim Pellerin reported meeting with Belanger, and the board agreed to grant the liquor license pending repairs to code violations noted by Pellerin.
The board also granted a liquor license renewal to Moose Alley.
Chief Pellerin reported completion of the annual hands-on training for search and rescue, which took place at Smalls Falls, and the Oct. 17 scheduling of a fire prevention program at the school for grades kindergarten to five.
Required maintenance and winterizing has been performed on all the company’s trucks and also on the bay doors at the station, Pellerin said. The newly reopened Rangeley Inn is installing a sprinkler system in various areas, including the restaurant, and hopes to reopen soon.
Pellerin also reported that the Oct. 11 reception and dinner for firefighters from Lac-Megantic, Quebec went well. Board member Gary Shaffer complimented the chief and the department on a moving and uplifting event.
The absence of Town Manager Tiki White forced the tabling of an executive session to continue discussion of the town manager appointment, assignments, duties and contract. White’s contract is being finalized. White sent word that she attended a Maine Department of Transportation meeting and that the town’s funding requests for the year were in place.
Board of Selectmen Chairman Dave Burgess read a letter from the board of the Rangeley Town House, across the street from the Town Office, thanking the town’s board for its support of their meal program for seniors.
Greg Andrews from the Snow Source store presented the town with a new Appalachian Trail Community sign, which he asked to be posted near the gazebo at Haley Pond, which is town property. The board accepted the gift with placement to be determined where it will not detract from the gazebo or impede snow removal.
The board approved the extension of Earl Ross’ position as road commissioner for three months and also approved a request from Inara Booker to buy back four of the six cemetery lots she had purchased in 1990.
Town Clerk Ethna Thompson reported there was one applicant for a new Cemetery Committee, which she suggested should also include the sexton and the maintenance supervisor. Thompson’s research indicated that the Cemetery Committee was originally formed in 1902 to lay out lots and fencing.
She pointed out that a more pressing need is for a zoning board of appeals, which will be needed within a week. If there is no such committee in place, its duties will go to the county.
The board’s next meeting will be Monday, Nov. 4, because of Election Day, Nov. 5.
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