Selectmen on Tuesday tabled a request from Police Chief David Brooks to give local police officers the new statewide law enforcement powers. A new state law gives full-time officers such powers outside their jurisdiction.

Brooks explained that if an off-duty officer were anywhere in the state and saw a crime taking place, he wouldn’t require an arrest warrant but could arrest the violator. That would be preferable to a “citizen’s arrest,” he added.

Selectmen voiced no objections. But town lawyer Roger Therriault warned that the board should proceed cautiously, due to the town’s liability. Selectmen decided to table the request until the next meeting.

Brooks said he would be glad to sit down with Therriault for further discussion, noting that the new law had the support of the Maine Municipal Association.

With the change in the law, municipalities can discontinue the practice of appointing and swearing in officers from other jurisdictions, Brooks said. Currently, his officers are sworn in by Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties.

– Connie Footman
Auburn:

County gets guns, bond refund

County commissioners have received a $210,000 refund from the Maine Bond Bank as a result of refinancing at a lower interest rate.

The commission decided to use the money to offset expenses, with the goal of reducing taxation.

Also, the commission approved the donation from the Army Reserve of five AR 15 rifles to the Sheriff’s Department. The rifles are worth about $1,000, according to County Clerk Patricia Fournier. The county will pay about $150 to cover shipping.

– John Plestina
Lisbon:

Selectmen approve library parking

Following a public hearing, selectmen voted to make the parking spot in front of the Lisbon Falls Library a 15-minute space, with the stipulation that it doesn’t interfere with firetrucks making left-hand turns when leaving the station.

Librarian Dinace Nadeau said the change was requested by patrons who wanted to park there while dropping off or picking up books. Town Manager Curtis Lunt said the spot already was being used for that purpose, even though it was not allowed.

In other business last week:

• Selectmen awarded the contract to provide winter sand to Pat Cyr Trucking for $3.75 per yard, with the town hauling its own materials. Bids came in higher than expected this year, said Public Works spokesman Steve Doucette.

• Police Chief David Brooks’ request to apply for a $19,699 local law enforcement grant was approved.

• Proposed changes in Town Park regulations have been accepted and will be submitted to the town meeting for approval.

– Connie Footman
Durham: Selectmen award plowing contracts

Selectmen have signed a three-year snow removal contract with Larrabee Construction to plow a total of 67 miles at $3,030 per mile for the first year, $3,225 for the second year and $3,579 for the third year.

The first year’s payment will be $203,949, which is $11,181 less than the $215,130 originally quoted, since the mileage has been revised from 70 to 67 miles. The contract runs from July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2006.

Selectmen awarded the contract for plowing the town parking lot to Paul Warren of Lisbon Falls based on his bid of $1,986 for the season.

– Connie Footman