PARIS — Property owner Mike Gilbert’s frustration with getting a sidewalk next to his apartment building repaired was delayed yet again this week because the attorney representing the town has not yet provided a contract to protect the town from liability.
Gilbert, who owns the building at 1 High St., which is at the corner of Maple Street, complained about the crumbling sidewalk at the meeting Sept. 25. Complicating the matter, Gilbert owns part of the sidewalk and the other half is owned by the town, according to a survey Gilbert had done.
He said he would pay to have the sidewalk fixed, but refused to release the town from any damages to his building that might be caused by the town’s snowplow, which has happened at one of his other buildings.
He is also concerned about any potential delay that might make it difficult to pour cement for a new sidewalk as temperatures drop.
After the last meeting, town officials asked attorney Zachary Brandwein from Bernstein Shur law firm in Portland to come up with a contract, which as of Tuesday they are still waiting to receive.
“He is drawing up a contract between the contractor doing the cement work and the town, basically holding the cement-work person liable for anything that gets damaged, meaning the sidewalk, nothing to do with your building,” Town Manager Dawn Noyes said. “It’s for the work being done because it is on town property, so that makes him liable for any injuries or anything like that and not the town.”
Selectmen tabled any action on the sidewalk until the town receives a signed contract from Gilbert or the contractor.
In other business, Noyes announced that Candace Jack has resigned as the Parks and Recreation director and the administrator for General Assistance.
The board renewed the liquor license and special entertainment permit for Celebration Barn at 190 Stock Farm Road.
The town is hosting a coat giveaway Oct. 16-17 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Deering Memorial Community Center at 39 Main St.
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