RUMFORD – Selectmen will continue their discussion of a proposed bypass of a section of Route 2 when they meet Thursday.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the Municipal Building.

Town Manager Robert Welch said the board received a letter this week from Mexico Town Manager Joseph Derouche inviting Rumford to take part in a joint meeting on the issue.

Rumford proposed a designated truck route from the Maine Department of Transportation that would bypass most of Mexico’s business district, which is a part of Route 2. Rumford officials have said the proposed bypass, which would also circumvent some of Rumford’s narrow, winding streets, is a safety issue.

Derouche last week said he was calling a joint meeting of the two towns, as well as representatives of both towns’ police, fire and emergency departments, the Route 2 Corridor Committee, the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee and the MDOT to discuss the matter.

Mexico officials and businesses are currently circulating a petition opposing a bypass.

Welch said a petition currently being circulated in several Rumford businesses as well as from the Municipal Building advocating for the bypass has gathered more than 100 signatures.

A closed session will be held with the town’s attorney Jennifer Kreckel, Rumford Police Chief Timothy Bourassa and Department of Public Works Director Andy Russell to discuss negotiations with the two bargaining units. The last contracts expired June 30.

Other public agenda items include awarding the contract for the purchase of winter sand, action on an innholders and victualer’s license for Fortune Fountain Restaurant, and discussion on whether to accept any gains from drug busts.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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