RUMFORD – Selectmen on Thursday will take up complaints lodged against three of their members for their part in hiring a lawyer during a recent Board of Appeals hearing.

The board will meet at 7 p.m. March 6.

Town Manager Jim Doar said resident Vince Caruso filed separate complaints against Selectmen Arthur Boivin, Frank DiConzo and Mark Belanger that included calling for the resignation of two of them. Chris and Deborah Carver, and Jack and Mary Kaubris filed a joint complaint against the same three selectmen.

The complaints are based on alleged violations to the town charter stemming from hiring a lawyer to represent the town during a Board of Appeals hearing that overturned an earlier selectmen’s decision to remove members of the Charter Commission.

The complaints allege that incorrect procedure was used. The decision to hire was not made in a public or special selectmen’s meeting as is called for in the town charter, according to the complaints. Also, the charter calls for acting as a board for any decisions.

Doar said the charter contains no provision for recalling an elected official. He isn’t sure what recourse the board will have.

He said he will present his findings, then it will be up to the board to take action, if any. He said he has calls out to the Maine Municipal Association asking for advice on the matter.

Also on Thursday, the board will discuss the possibility of establishing an office of economic development as requested by Belanger, appoint a new police officer, act on a request for making York Street one-way near the elementary school, discuss a policy governing cemeteries, and establish a priority list for snow removal.


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