Rumford board approves licenses and HVAC contract, hears parking-enforcement update

At its Oct. 16 meeting the Town of Rumford Select Board approved two local business licenses and awarded an HVAC maintenance contract while hearing operational updates from town staff.

The board approved an Innkeeper and Victualers License for 214 Lincoln (applicants Julie and Mark Tubbs) and approved a liquor license for Le Paresseux Club, Inc., at 227 Waldo Street. Both motions were moved by Brennick, seconded by DiConzo and passed 5-0, according to the minutes.

Select Board members also approved HVAC system maintenance quotes, awarding the contract to Community Energy (motion by DiConzo, seconded by Brennick; vote 5-0). The minutes do not list contract value or term.

During his town-manager report, George O'Keefe said the town now has parking enforcement after more than a decade and that enforcement will prioritize vehicles parked the wrong way and those blocking ADA (handicap) spaces rather than focusing on two-hour parking on the Island. O'Keefe is recorded saying, “we are not focused on 2-hour parking on the Island. The main focus is parking the wrong direction, parking in ADA (Handicap) spots.”

Department head Roberts updated the board on infrastructure work, reporting that Cumberland Street sidewalk paving is scheduled Wednesday with possible Thursday completion depending on weather, and that the water and storm lines at Parks Department land have been completed. Roberts is quoted in the minutes: “my guys crushed this summer and got everything done that has been asked of them, I have a great crew right now.”

Stephanie Reed addressed the board about Beautify Rumford; the minutes record her presentation but do not record a formal motion or the board’s response.

The meeting moved into a series of executive sessions later in the evening and adjourned after the final session.