Mechanic Falls council approves routine business; liquor license, copier purchase, lease renewal pass unanimously

The Mechanic Falls Town Council on Feb. 5 approved a slate of routine items by unanimous votes, including a liquor license renewal for Village Pizzeria and a $5,616.80 copier purchase funded from the town's remaining ARPA allocation.

Councilor Paula Stotts moved to renew the Village Pizzeria liquor license; Councilor Ray Lavoie seconded and the motion passed 4–0. Stotts later moved to accept the Jan. 8, 2024 meeting minutes and to accept department reports as submitted; both motions passed unanimously after seconding motions by Councilor Sonny Morgan and Councilor Lavoie, respectively.

In new business the council authorized the Town Manager to use $5,616.80 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase a replacement copier for the Town Office. The outgoing copier will be given to the Fire Department. The motion, made by Councilor Stotts and seconded by Councilor Lavoie, passed 4–0.

The council also approved the Spirit of America 2024 honorees and the dedication of the annual town report as presented, accepted a donation of artwork from David Rodgers and his family for display at the Town Office (motion by Stotts, seconded by Chair Tarsha Downing), and voted to enter into a new 10‑month lease with the Before & After School Program for fiscal year 2024–25 after addressing building issues raised by the town insurer. All new-business motions passed 4–0.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 7:42 p.m., which the council approved unanimously.