Paris Selectmen meet Monday night

PARIS — Selectmen intend to address a number of issues on a packed agenda Monday night, including a proposal to acquire land for a new park, a risk assessment and a comprehensive study of the downtown area.

The meeting is a week ahead of the typical schedule. A week ago, selectmen voted to bump the meeting ahead to avoid conflict with a public hearing on an amendment to the comprehensive plan.

Selectmen will address a study submitted by Sandra Swett, recommending changes to revitalize the Market Square area with a focus on green spaces, public recreation and artistic offerings.

The plan, which is based upon residents’ feedback and demographic information, was handed to town officials last week.

After reviewing the plan, Town Manager Amy Bernard suggested it may need minor changes, including footnotes on statistics referenced in the study, as well as means for implementing the recommendations, according to the agenda packet prepared for selectmen.

The meeting will also address a risk assessment audit conducted by the Maine Municipal Association, which cited violations in every town building and vehicle except the Fire Department, Bernard said.

The violations include outdated inspection stickers, improperly installed wires at the Town Office and oil tanks which need to be replaced. Most of the violations have since been fixed, while others are scheduled for this spring.

The MMA is the town’s insurance provider.

Selectmen will also consider a proposal from the town to the Paris Utility District, asking the sewage service to return a parcel of land along the Little Androscoggin River that town officials envision turning into a park. The PUD operates a pump station on the property that directs water up to Paris Hill and maintains a number of closed wells on site.