RUMFORD — Selectmen named resident John Kezal as Rumford Citizen of the Year 2009 at Thursday night’s meeting, but the official awards ceremony will take place later in the year.

Reading from his letter nominating Kezal, Town Manager Carlo Puiia said Kezal has served Rumford for years on the Finance Committee.

“He has contributed to others’ quality of life in organizing and coaching of sports,” Puiia said. “But most notably is his dedicated service to our veterans, to the Maine Veterans Home, and the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee.”

A  smattering of applause from the back of the room broke the silence before selectmen moved on.

In other business, Puiia told the board about a project to place picnic tables along Canal Street by cutting them in half and bolting them to the guardrail.

“This gives visitors a chance to enjoy the scenery,” Puiia said during his town manager report. “I think it’s an improvement to our downtown area.”

Because the project is expected to cost less than $1,000, Puiia said he didn’t think he needed a motion from the board to proceed with the project. Still, selectmen told him they’d support the project regardless.

Tim Gallant, superintendent of the Rumford Parks and Recreation Department, said he also thought it would be a good idea and was anxious to begin work on the project.

“I think it’s going to be a pretty clean thing once you give me the green light,” he said.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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