MECHANIC FALLS – The Town Council has approved an anti-loitering ordinance aimed at discouraging juveniles from hanging out in the Depot Square area.
Police Chief Jeffrey Goss cited an increase in vandalism and an increase in complaints about juveniles hanging out in the area.
“Complaints include vulgar language and items being thrown at citizens or their vehicles. People going to the medical clinic say it felt like running a gauntlet. There is no respect for property or people,” Goss said.
With the approval of Councilman Dan Blanchard’s motion to accept the anti-loitering ordinance and to waive a second reading, the ordinance was declared in effect immediately upon Goss’ posting the proper signs.
Town Manager Dana Lee advised council members that the Plexiglas and interior of the bus stop shelter in Depot Square have been badly defaced.
“It begs trouble. We recommend its destruction and removal,” Lee said.
The council agreed that the bus shelter must go.
The council also passed a resolution creating drug-free safe zones for the entire municipal building complex, including the ball fields, tennis courts and the hockey rink/basketball courts, and for the town’s Mazie Keene Park and Veterans Park.
Goss noted that, once posted, the designation creates greater penalties for people caught dealing drugs in those areas, penalties similar to those convicted of dealing drugs within 1,000 feet of a school.
In other action, the council pushed forward the new water tank project by accepting Technical Construction Inc.’s revised bid for a new 464,000-gallon water reservoir tank at Stand Pipe Hill for $770,000 and approved the revised bid from Kimball and Cochran, with the Mechanic Falls Water Department acting as general contractor, for the $60,000 tank for about $130,000. The revisions saved the town about $100,000 and keep the project within budget.
The council also agreed to purchase two new police cruisers from Augusta Ford/Chevrolet for a total price of $43,268. The town will be buying a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria and a 2006 Chevrolet 1500 Crew Cab 4×4.
The council accepted Leland Bisbee’s resignation from his position at the town’s transfer station, effective Oct. 26, and appointed Pamela Grondin to serve on the town recreation committee.
Lee also announced that the town office will be closed Friday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day, and will also close Nov. 24 and Nov. 25 for Thanksgiving.
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