MEXICO — The Board of Selectmen has accepted a revised payment proposal from Rich Viitala Jr. of Fire & Iron Athletics, which is leasing space at the Recreation Center and using fitness equipment owned by the town.
The payment proposal presented and approved April 14 will consist of a $1,500 flat rate every six months, amounting to $250 per month. Viitala said an earlier proposal was $320 plus 30 percent each month, but there was nothing in writing.
Viitala has not paid anything this year but will pay the first six months on June 30. The second half will be for July 1 to Dec. 31. In approving the proposal, selectmen agreed to revisit the proposal near the end of the year.
Viitala said in the original proposal, “I was only going to be there 20 hours a week. The majority of the people who are coming I found are coming more for the classes that I offer than the actual gym. But they pay the monthly membership regardless because they do have access to the gym if they want it.”
Viitala also maintains his insurance, and has taken over paying for cleaning supplies, as well as routine maintenance of the equipment. His program has about 20 members.
“I still believe in this. If I was in this for the money, I wouldn’t be in my home area. You go to Auburn; they’re charging more money, but they have a bigger location and a lot more people. I try to respond and answer questions as they ask me. Again, I love what I do. I believe this is a good thing for the community,” he said.
It was noted that rental spaces at the recreation center are about full.
Town Manager John Madigan said that originally, the rental fees were based on $5 per square foot. “But those are varied depending upon the situation.”
In other business, selectmen dedicated this year’s Mexico Town Report to the late Ernest Robichaud. Selectmen unanimously voted on that action.
“Ernie served the town in so many ways for a long time,” Madigan said.
Robichaud’s contributions included serving as a selectman and being on the Mexico Water District Board of Trustees. He was recently selected as Mexico’s Citizen of the Year.
Selectmen also voted the “in memory of” portion of the town report to Michael B. Buotte and Earl C. Murray.
Buotte worked as a sergeant for the Rumford Police Department and after retiring worked for the Mexico Police Department as a patrolman.
Murray was the Boston Post Cane holder from 2011-14. On Dec. 4, 2013, town officials helped celebrate Murray’s 100th birthday at his Richards Avenue home. He passed away in January 2014.
The board also decided the town report cover photo will be the No. 23 fire engine which Chief Gary Wentzell got a great deal on for the town. Coincidentally, the No. 23 that came with the truck matched the number of years Wentzell has served with the Fire Department.
In other business, a public hearing for the town meeting warrant will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, in the Town Office to discuss the proposed budget and ordinances. The regular board meeting will follow.
Madigan said the total town budget, including the county tax and their share of the proposed RSU 10 budget, looks to be about $6,000 less than last year. Not included is the fee to the town for adult education.
He noted that Mexico’s assessment from RSU 10 has declined more than $26,000 from last year.
Selectmen decided they will meet the second Tuesday of the month from June through September.
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