MEXICO – A meeting to gather ideas from townspeople and those from surrounding towns was set for April to keep the economic momentum moving in the Mexico area at Wednesday’s selectmen’s meeting.

The forum, complete with facilitators, was set for April 28. It will be patterned on a similar session held several years ago, entitled “Night of a 1,000 Ideas,” that led to a considerable amount of downtown beautification and infrastructure improvements over the past few years.

Town Manager Joseph Derouche said this year’s theme will be “Keeping Mexico Moving.” And although it will focus on Mexico, he said whatever positive economic changes affect Mexico will also benefit surrounding towns.

He said the forum will focus on six topics, each with a facilitator. These are: business and economic growth, use of existing facilities such as the recreation park and recreation center, tourism, social and cultural activities, beautification and community involvement.

The Citizens Advisory Board, which met on Tuesday night, outlined much of the agenda for the forum. Additional details will be worked out at another meeting of the Advisory Board set for Tuesday, March 2.

Derouche said the April forum will also be a part of the town’s updating of its economic development plan.

In a related matter, the town’s Planning Board meets Thursday night with Androscoggin Valley Council of Government’s John Maloney to begin work on rewriting the Comprehensive Plan. Such plans are generally used as a pattern for the town’s future development. Derouche said once the new Comprehensive Plan is written and adopted, it will serve the town for 10 to 15 years.

Also on Wednesday, Derouche said he is continuing efforts toward a merger of the Mexico and Dixfield police departments. Both departments have experienced staff shortages during the past couple of years or so. In the interim, however, the board appointed a new reserve officer, Leon Richard.

Moment of silence

Wednesday’s selectmen’s meeting began with a moment of silence in honor of the passing of long-time Selectman Louise Waterhouse who died earlier this month. Wednesday’s meeting was the first without her.

The board decided to wait until June to hold elections for her replacement. She had two years remaining in her term. The seats currently held by Selectman Monique Aniel, who is filling out a term started by former Selectman Robert Lyons, and Chairman Arthur Bordeau, will also be up for re-election. Nomination papers will be available early next month.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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