RUMFORD – Selectmen on Thursday declined to act on a request to allow three mud runs on town land behind the former Abbott Farm Plaza until organizer Tim Tyler submits a plan, insurance proof and permission from the plaza owner to cross his property.
Some board members also had other concerns.
“I’m concerned about the noise and smell, the effect on the shoppers, and the liability to the town,” Selectman Jolene Lovejoy said.
Selectman Jim Rinaldo added a concern about leaving the property the way it was found prior to an event.
Tyler tentatively plans to operate three mud runs, with the first on Memorial Day weekend to benefit the July 4 and other events organized by the Moontide Water Festival Committee. The remaining two mud runs would take place during the summer.
The mud run would be held on a 400-foot strip of cleared land and part of a skidder trail at the rear of the shopping center complex.
“This is for the town,” said Tyler. “We’d be donating a lot of money – several thousand dollars. People come from all over and some will stay overnight in area motels.”
Town Manager Steve Eldridge said he questioned whether the plaza’s owner, Jay Wise, had given permission.
Tyler said he would get permission in writing, as well as bring in an insurance certificate and overall plan for the event.
While Selectman Greg Buccina said he generally supported the plan, he suggested to Tyler that he look at an alternative site.
“I don’t think we should turn our backs on them, but at the last meeting the chairman asked you to provide us with some of these things. Is there another place we could look at?” he said. “It will be a bit of a project. I want the whole project from beginning to end.”
Resident Seth Carey believes the board should jump at the opportunity to allow the mud run.
“That plaza is half vacant and there’s plenty of room in the parking lot. You gave them a great deal when they got that land,” he said of the town’s sale of the shopping center complex to Wise. “This would provide entertainment in the town, which is very rare. It’s wholesome. Please keep that in mind.”
Other concerns included gasoline fumes that might drift into the nearby nursing home, setting a precedent for the use of town property, and the possibility that the town may be liable for any injuries even though the operator of the event may have insurance for the events.
Board Chairman Jim Thibodeau told Tyler to get his information together.
“Get all your ducks in line, then bring them in,” he said.
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