Paris Board of Selectmen

Sept. 11, 2017

Paris Town Office

Fire Department

What happened: Deputy Fire Chief Jon Longley gave an update on the department’s return to a volunteer force, including that volunteer applications are still coming in.

What it means: Longley has three applications he is reviewing along with two possible junior firefighters. This is on top of the 16 volunteer firefighters who are already on the roster, some of whom are still undergoing training. He said the new hires are responding to calls and learning every chance they can. At the June town meeting, residents voted to cut more than $145,000 from the Fire Department budget, with the intent to eliminate the paid part-time firefighter system, go back to a volunteer department and reduce the fire chief’s salary to a $5,000 a year stipend, plus hourly wages.

What’s next: Per diem firefighters recently received notice that they will be laid off as of Saturday, Sept. 30. Selectmen will discuss ways to inform residents about the changes at the Fire Department. Budget Committee member Richard Merz’s citizen petition to hold a town meeting to restore funding to the Fire Department is under review by the town’s attorney and will be on the agenda for the Monday, Sept. 25, meeting.

EMS ends

What happened: Town Manager Vic Hodgkins reminded residents that the Paris Fire Department will stop EMS first responder services as of Sunday, Oct. 1.

What it means: This is part of the transition to a volunteer department. PACE Ambulance will continue to cover the town and the Fire Department will respond when PACE requests backup.

Assistant fire chief

What happened: Hodgkins announced the town is looking for an assistant fire chief.

What it means: This is also part of the department’s transition and will be a contracted managerial position through the end of the fiscal year. Fire Chief Scott Hunter agreed to stay on during the transition and Longley will become chief once Hunter leaves. Applications are due by 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15.

What’s next: Hodgkins, Hunter and Longley will review the applications together on Monday, Sept. 18, and Hodgkins hopes to have an assistant chief in place by the board’s next meeting.

Police cruiser

What happened: Selectmen accepted the highest bid for the 2010 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser.

What it means: The car was awarded to William Pollard for $910.10. Other bidders included K. Mohamed for $557 and Matt Scruton for $852.01.

Go Gold Maine

What happened: Selectmen voted to sign a proclamation agreeing to Go Gold Maine and proclaiming September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

What it means: This is in honor of 10-year-old Hailey Steward of Bethel who is battling leukemia, along with other Maine children who have cancer. The request was brought by Hailey’s grandmother, Cynthia Gurschick.

Town Office closed

What happened: Selectmen voted to close the Town Office on Wednesday, Oct. 4, so employees can attend training at the Maine Municipal Association Conference in Augusta.

Meeting changed

What happened: Selectmen opted to change their Oct. 9 meeting to Tuesday, Oct. 10 because it’s Columbus Day. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office at 33 Market Square.

Appointment

What happened: Selectmen appointed Jennifer Lewis to the Recreation Committee.

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