FARMINGTON — Selectmen approved a new taxi cab business license during their meeting Tuesday.

Richard L. Jackson of Skowhegan told the board he wants to offer service again in Farmington, as he did a few years ago. With five cars based in Skowhegan, he already provides services in Dexter, Newport, Skowhegan and Augusta.

He and his business partner, Melinda Achorn, passed background checks needed for licensing in Farmington, police Chief Jack Peck said.

Jackson will drive the local taxi for a while before hiring drivers, he said.

In other business, the board approved a bid from Farmington Ford of $46,144 to purchase a F550 4-by-4 crew cab chassis to replace the current squad truck for Farmington Fire and Rescue. The vote 4-1 with Chairman Stephan Bunker abstaining because he is a member of the Fire Department.

Five bids were received and although this was not the lowest bid, it met all the major specifications wanted and was within the 5 percent allowance for a bidder with the town of Farmington, Fire Chief Terry Bell told the board.

The squad truck holds the portable water tank and pump, carries extrication equipment and other tools, he said.

The board also approved use of the gazebo in Meetinghouse Park during October for two local groups.

Iris Morgan asked for permission to install pink lights during the month to recognize breast cancer awareness month just as she did last fall.

She said there were 20 cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the last six months at Franklin Memorial Hospital, including a friend and co-worker of hers. She said she wanted to do her part to remind everyone of the month’s focus.

October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month and representatives from Safe Voices sought approval to string purple lights in the gazebo and hold a vigil there at 6 p.m. Oct. 1.

The board approved purple lights and the vigil from Oct. 1 -5 and pink lights from Oct. 6 through the rest of the month.

Summer musical performances from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Tuesdays for 2013 were also approved. The weekly concerts featuring local artists begin on June 4 and to the end of August.

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