RUMFORD – Safer pets, funds for ATV enthusiasts and possibly a new rink for ice skaters may be the result of bylaw changes voters overwhelmingly favored Tuesday.
Residents agreed to amend a municipal bylaw that provides guidelines for the removal of abandoned or abused pets by a vote of 1,114 to 197. The animal control officer will not be required to get a court order to remove an abandoned animal.
The River Valley Riders ATV Club will benefit from the passage of a second bylaw amendment favored by voters 998-310. Under this rule change, the $1 agency fee paid by the state to the town for registering ATVs will go the club for the maintenance of a trail system. Just over 330 ATVs were registered by the town this year.
Residents also voted 939-310 in a non-binding decision for the construction of a new skating rink and clubhouse at the old ball field on Falmouth Street.
The Parks Commission had requested an initiated article for $55,000 to construct the building. Selectmen, however, decided to wait until they knew whether a second rink was wanted. The old ball field had served as a skating rink for many years before the hockey rink was built on Hosmer Field .
The straw vote will help selectmen decide whether to go ahead with construction plans. Residents will make the final decision at a future special town meeting or at next year’s annual town meeting.
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