RANGELEY — The Board of Selectmen endorsed a request from local and neighboring ATV riders for an extension to local trails that would allow access to businesses in downtown Oquossoc.
The extension allows ATVs to use a section of Route 17 from the Beamish Tract to Rangeley Avenue West. Selectmen will forward a letter of approval to the Maine DOT, which is responsible for the road and has the final decision.
An overflow crowd attended the public hearing on the trail extension that immediately preceded the regular board meeting. While most were in support of the extension, Mike Ferguson, president of the Rangeley ATV Club, warned of difficulties in enforcing route limits and safety regulations, which he has experienced in downtown Rangeley.
Speaking again at the regular meeting, Ferguson asked the board for help in policing the downtown area. He said that he, rather than the Police Department, is most often called to deal with ATV violations. Ferguson owns and operates the Rev It Up Sports Shop on Route 4, which sells snowmobiles, ATVs and equipment.
Acting on a long agenda, the board approved special amusement permits for Bald Mountain Camps; Forks In The Air, LLC; Four Seasons Cafe; The Gingerbread House, LLC; Loon Lodge Inn and Restaurant; and Moose Alley. They approved vendor license renewals for 3D’s Seafood; Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club; Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association; and Rangeley Region Health and Wellness. Liquor license renewals were approved for Bald Mountain Camps; Forks In The Air, LLC; The Gingerbread House, LLC; and The Red Onion.
The renewal for Four Seasons Cafe was contingent on the Fire Chief’s safety inspection.
Selectmen approved the appointment of Kate Williamson to the Rangeley Economic Development Committee, and approved the park permit application for the Dick Deery Run/Walk to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Association.
The board accepted the town mechanic’s fleet report, with Selectman Pam White noting that the document would be a good reference for budget discussions. Town Manager Tiki White promised a plan for filling the Road Commissioner position at the next meeting.
White also recommended appointing Robert Folsom Sr. as the Interim Code Enforcement Officer until a permanent one is chosen for the new term beginning July 1. Folsom is currently the part-time CEO. He will now fulfill all the full-time CEO duties until June 30. Applications for the full-time position are due at the Town Office by May 23.
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