MEXICO – Selectmen and the Wellness Center board resolved a long-standing question Wednesday night by agreeing on disposition of exercise equipment used at the center.
In an agreement signed by both groups, the town transferred the exercise equipment to the Wellness Center, a nonprofit business at the Mexico Recreation Center, provided that the facility continues to offer its services in the town building.
Also, the Wellness Center will be responsible for any repairs to the equipment.
The question arose when Rumford Hospital closed its Wellness Center several years ago. The center moved its services to the Mexico Recreation Center and the hospital turned over the equipment to the town.
If the Wellness Center should decide to leave the town building, which was once Mexico High School, then the equipment would revert to the town. If the town decides to close the recreation center in the future, and the Wellness Center must move, then the equipment would go with the Wellness Center.
The two boards also agreed to realign the lease with the town’s fiscal year. The Wellness Center’s lease, at $600 a month, will now extend from July 1 through June 30, rather than the original September-to-September agreement. The addendum to the agreement provides a lease through June 30, 2006.
“We feel this is fair and equitable,” said Lem Cissel, a Wellness Center board member.
The town also agreed to try to find a way to alleviate the noise created by another business tenant located above the Wellness Center’s three rooms. Selectmen Chairman Arthur Bordeau also said that the board would look into a way the two groups could repair the Wellness Center’s air conditioning system.
In another matter, Town Manager John Madigan said the town may have to consider developing a policy for hiring reserve police officers who had been regular officers.
At issue was a request by 25-year Police Department veteran Robert Gallant, who resigned earlier in the month. He had requested to be placed on the reserve list in his letter of resignation.
Madigan and Mexico Police Chief Jim Theriault believe Gallant is not required to go through the application process because of his past employment.
Bordeau disagreed.
“You are no longer an employee so you must apply,” he said.
Selectman Reggie Arsenault believes requiring Gallant to apply wasn’t necessary.
“I think it’s unfair and unjust,” he said.
Gallant agreed to fill out the application. But before he can be called in to work, he must receive medical clearance from his doctor. He recently had one of his legs amputated and is waiting for a permanent prosthetic.
The types of duties he will be able to perform will be determined by Theriault once the medical clearance is submitted. These could include taking prisoners to the Oxford County Jail, parade details and speaking with schoolchildren.
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