FARMINGTON – Selectmen approved Tuesday evening a bid for a new police cruiser, and accepted a donation to install new stadium seating in the Community Center.

Local resident Richard Bjorn extended a helping hand to the town of Farmington in the amount of $29,143 for the center’s new chairs. Included in the donation will be the installation of handrails and the construction costs of the new seating. In addition, the town plans to cover the cost of refinishing all necessary surfaces in the building.

“This is a most generous gift,” said Chairman Mary Wright.

The Police Department will also have a new addition to their growing fleet of cruisers in the next couple of weeks. All selectmen agreed to fund Chief Richard Caton’s recommendation of the purchase of a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria at a cost of $16,799.85 with trade-in.

In other police business, Lt. Jack Peck reported to the selectmen on his experience in the FBI National Academy program. Peck, along with 240 other law enforcement officers got a chance to sharpen their academics, as well as their physical skills. Also, Peck was one of the 50 who finished the final 9.2 mile obstacle course at the conclusion of the program.

“Not only have I benefited for myself, but the community has as well,” said Peck.

Town Assessor Mark Caldwell was also given the go-ahead by selectmen to initiate a grant for digital parcel mapping of Farmington. The $10,000 grant would give the town a chance to become more up-to-date in its mapping techniques, while also benefiting the surrounding region.

Selectmen also decided to contract with MBP Consulting to have a trained engineer inspect the Walton Mill Dam. The inspection will cost the town a minimum of $2,850, as further improvement costs are expected in the future.

Selectmen also noted that the farmers market will return for the season on May 7 and acknowledged its growing popularity and cultural significance.