RUMFORD — Selectmen unanimously approved funds Tuesday night for signs stating the town has zero tolerance for domestic violence.
Rumford police Chief Stacy Carter proposed pulling $600 from the drug forfeiture account to pay for six signs. He said he chose that source of money because cases of domestic violence often go hand-in-hand with drug and alcohol abuse.
The signs would be placed on all roadways coming into town. Carter said he felt it was a message that needed to be sent year-round.
“I want to send a clear message that we as a community are serious about this cause,” Carter said.
Selectman Jolene Lovejoy said, “If the community can take a stand against a lot of disease, it was time the town took a stand against domestic violence.”
Selectman also learned that a previous vote to approve a bid for a new code enforcement truck would need to be done again.
Town Manager Carlo Puiia said the original bid accepted by O’Connor GMC was misquoted because the trade-in value was added in twice. The actual bid was for $15,284, which was still the lowest bid the town received.
Selectman Brad Adley, who was absent from the meeting where the bid was approved, posed questions to both Carter and Code Enforcement Officer Rich Kent.
Adley and Selectman Greg Buccina attempted to seek a solution where a truck already being used by the town could be shared with the code enforcement officer.
Discussion about using a Public Works truck was mentioned. Both Kent and Carter said the Public Works trucks are heavily used throughout the day and would not be available when needed.
Carter also briefed selectmen on his search for a vehicle through a military surplus program. He said he initially was interested in acquiring a Humvee but found it would be impractical for the department’s use. He is now searching for a truck which would better suit public safety needs.
The board voted to approve the new figure from O’Connor GMC to purchase a code enforcement truck.
Lovejoy also proposed having an exit poll for the November elections.
“We really have no idea why something is voted down and it would be nice to have an exit poll so we can see why something got defeated,” she said.
This issue will be added to the agenda for the next board meeting.
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