WEST PARIS — Selectman Dennis Henderson read aloud at the Thursday, March 10 selectmen meeting a letter from John White resigning as town manager because of his two-year battle with kidney cancer.
“‘I have entered the final stage of the disease and am unable to work,'” Henderson read from White’s letter. “‘I thank the selectmen for their kind consideration as I tried to fight my disease. I will miss serving the people of West Paris and thank them for their support.'”
At the last week’s meeting, selectmen voted unanimously to approve a special amusement permit sought by the West Paris General Store. Owners Jack and Lisa Floster received approval from the planning board last week to host acoustic music and open mic nights. The approval is still dependent on what the state determines to be the occupancy capacity based on the store’s septic system.
“I think if you do approve that, there should be the stipulation of the 20 seats,” Interim Town Wade Rainey said, referring to the reduced number from the 40 seats originally requested by the Flosters.
In other business the board:
- approved a request from John Hamel of Tri-Town Rescue for a 5k race on Sunday, May 22. The course would begin at the town office and head down Penley Road toward Greenwood, and return.
- approved payment of an $81,437 tax bill from Oxford County.
- approved purchase of a self-contained breathing apparatus pack and mask for the fire department and a rock rake to help with road grading.
- approved renewing a lawn-mowing contract with Kenny Property Maintenance, and forestry services from Norman Forbes for managing the town woodlot.
- approved a request from Junior Henderson for Trap Corner Ridge Runners ATV Club to use town roads as connectors for their off-road trail system.
The board voted to get further information on new U.S. flags and poles, and a security camera system for the town office.
The board chose Thursday, March 24 for a possible public meeting, if required, to issue a “bring-your-own” alcohol permit to American Legion Post No. 151 on Church Street.
The next selectmen meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at the town office.
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