Rome Board of Selectmen hires administrative assistant, accepts donations and discusses sand-and-salt shed proposal

ROME, Maine — The Rome Board of Selectmen on June 1 voted unanimously to hire Diana Frith as the town's administrative assistant and accepted donations to benefit the Rome Food Cupboard, while discussing a contractor posting for a planned sand-and-salt shed.

First Selectman Kelly Archer called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and noted that Second Selectman Larry DiPietro and Third Selectman Philip Burnworth were present. Philip Burnworth moved to approve the minutes of the May 18 meeting; Larry DiPietro seconded and the board approved the minutes 3-0.

The board heard public comment from Barbara Russell, who asked about scheduling groundwork for the Veteran's Memorial Garden.

Under new business, Archer moved to hire Diana Frith as the town’s administrative assistant effective June 1; DiPietro seconded and the motion passed 3-0. The board also agreed to prepare certificates for the two top-ranking Rome eighth-graders, Landon Ware and Christopher Foss, and to deliver $50 checks to Messalonskee Middle School before the school's June 11 recognition night.

Treasurer Adam Clement presented donations and the board voted 3-0 to accept a $100 donation from Andy and Christine Cook and $339 in cash donations for the Rome Food Cupboard.

Members discussed posting a request for proposals for a contractor for a sand-and-salt shed; Clement mentioned a possible grant opportunity to research for that project or related needs. The board also discussed a proposed pre-Labor Day lawn sale, tentatively set for Saturday, Aug. 29, to benefit the food cupboard and whether the Fire Department or another group might sell food at the event. Barbara Russell asked about updating the Comprehensive Planning Implementation Committee progress report.

Philip Burnworth moved to adjourn at 7:17 p.m.; Kelly Archer seconded and the motion passed 3-0. The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for June 15 at 6 p.m.