RUMFORD – After a closed session with town lawyer Jennifer Kreckel Thursday night, selectmen voted to retain the position of parking monitor.
Selectmen Jim Thibodeau, Jim Rinaldo and Jolene Lovejoy voted to keep the position. Selectmen Greg Buccina and Mark Belanger abstained.
At issue were questions on whether the town could continue the position with a contractual agreement rather than as a municipal employee with full benefits. The position of parking monitor will be reviewed annually for continued need, Town Manager Steve Eldridge said.
Some on the board had suggested that such a position be contractual. Eldridge said Kreckel explained that a position with a specific schedule, duties and hours cannot be contracted.
“We had a parking problem, but she has done her job efficiently,” Eldridge said. “Parking has improved.”
The position began as part time about 15 months ago in response to merchants who complained that their customers could not find parking spaces in the downtown area. It eventually grew into full time, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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