RUMFORD – Concerns about buildings deemed dangerous or public nuisances drove selectmen to schedule a public hearing for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.

Town Manager Len Greaney said he expects Brian O’Keefe of Chelmsford, Mass., to attend the hearing regarding O’Keefe’s three-unit building at 14 Prospect Ave.

The hearing, Greaney said, would determine if O’Keefe’s building is dangerous or a nuisance, according to Maine law.

Should that happen, barring no appeal or lack of compliance, selectmen could order O’Keefe to demolish it and remove the debris, or the town would do the same and then bill O’Keefe to recover expenses involved, Greaney said, reading from a prepared document.

O’Keefe was not present at this past Thursday’s meeting.

In other business, Greaney:

• Is developing a plan that will enable Rumford to plow snow without dumping it into the Androscoggin River. Greaney said Rumford was fined $5,500 by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for dumping contaminated snow into the river this past winter. Selectmen and Greaney are also researching the possibility of not using sand on downtown roads on the island.

• Sought and got board approval to negotiate a deal with Woodstock Oil for heating oil and fuel.

• Is addressing residents’ complaints about town traffic lights not working properly.

• Joined selectmen and police Chief Stacy Carter in recognizing the efforts of crosswalk guards Yvette Gallant, Michelle Billings and Albert Hanington in braving intersections to ensure safe crossings for schoolchildren. Carter awarded all three with plaques for their diligence.

Additionally, following an executive session to discuss a U.S. Department of Agriculture Urban Development loan application for Teena’s Restaurant, selectmen approved giving a $30,000 loan to the longtime eatery’s owners.

No action was taken regarding a second closed-door session where selectmen conducted a performance review at Greaney’s request of his work to date as town manager. It was a stipulation he requested in his contract.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.