WEST PARIS — Selectmen on Thursday evening appointed Norm St. Pierre to the fire chief position, Lauren Day to the school board and Mike Grass to the Planning Board.
A major topic of discussion was improvements to the Harold Perham ball field off High Street. The field has been plagued by periodic flooding.
“Right behind second base there’s a 2-foot drop,” Code Enforcement Officer Shane Poland said.
Selectman Pete Collette, who is volunteering for the project and did an elevation study, said the home plate area needs to be raised by 7 inches “to keep the water out.”
He said that once contractors submit bids for the project, the town can conduct a site review.
Lauren Day said T&K Concrete has pledged to provide a concrete pad for one of the field’s service buildings.
There was also discussion about improving security and surveillance because the recreation complex has been vandalized on several occasions.
In other business, the board:
* Voted to solicit bids to sell several properties acquired for nonpayment of taxes;
* Discussed several unpaid commercial property tax bills;
* Voted to approve a bid from D.R. Fournier for street sweeping;
* Tabled an estimate from Palmer Spring in Portland for new springs for the Kenworth dump truck to search for a lower-cost provider;
* Voted to approve a $267 tax abatement for the Trap Corner Ridge Riders off-road vehicle club;
* Approved a request from the contractor working on Route 219 to operate construction equipment on town roads;
* Approved a proposal from the Rustic Grill and Tavern to construct a fresh-air dining and drinking area with a propane fire pit;
* Announced that the Town Office will be closed April 18 for Patriot’s Day and May 19 so employees can attend training.
* Announced the deadline for applications for librarian is May 5. Librarian Patty Makley has written the library board that she will retire;
* Voted to approve the town’s annual emergency plan;
* Voted to approve payment of general obligations totaling $122,477.
The next selectmen meeting is at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 28.
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