RUMFORD – Vendors who leave their wagons at the information center parking lot overnight may soon be getting a knock on the door.

Selectmen on Thursday voted to enforce a rule that prohibits overnight parking except three times during the year.

The action followed yet another lengthy discussion of who can and who cannot set up business at the popular spot located on the banks of the Androscoggin River often frequented by visitors.

“Apparently we’re not enforcing the rules,” said Selectman Jim Peterson who later made the motion to start.

According to an agreement made several years go, all vendors who have a town-issued license are permitted to park their wagons or carts at the lot only during the daytime hours. The only exceptions were Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July week, and the Octoberfest weekend.

Selectmen clarified when those times will be: three nights on Memorial Day weekend and Octoberfest weekend, and five nights during the Fourth of July.

Board Chairman Jim Thibodeau said police will be asked to enforce the rule.

Selectman Jolene Lovejoy also suggested that the board meet with the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, which is the group that first introduced the idea. She also wants to take a closer look at victualer licenses when they are requested.

“We don’t want to force people out because someone is disobeying the rules,” she said.

Some people who operate traditional businesses are concerned because vendors pay a minimal fee of $25 a year to set up shop at various sites in town, while business owners pay taxes, insurance and other costs.

“The town needs a more comprehensive, fee-based plan to protect businesses,” said Rick Michaud, manager of Sam’s Restaurant located atop Falls Hill. “We want something that will work for everybody.”

Former Selectman Eugene Boivin compared the competition between vendors and traditional businesses to giving apples away at the information center as competition for Hannaford’s.

“Your argument stretches it,” he said.

Town Manager Robert Welch suggested that the town take a closer look at an ordinance used by Brunswick to regulate its vendors.

“Then we’ll have no more arguments,” he said.

In other matters, the board gave Boivin the go-ahead to accept three large logs that will be placed on the banking below the information center. The 8-foot logs, to be donated by Dixfield Discount Fuel, will be used for seating.