Paris selectmen Monday approved this sketch of the proposed monument marking the Norway-Paris town line on Route 26. It was created by students at Oxford Hills Technical School in Paris. Submitted photo
PARIS — Kathy Richardson, the only observer at Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, praised the board for its diligence and hard work in improving the community, but wondered what it could do to better to promote their efforts to residents.
Richardson complained that their good work is not getting wide attention. As an example, she said a fellow resident recently complained that Paris Hill Road was in dire need of repairs, even though construction and paving on the road has been going on for weeks.
“You need to publicize better,” she said.
She said it was more than just getting the information out in the newspapers and online. She felt there was a disconnect somewhere on informing residents.
In addition to the media, the town posts information on its website and on two or three Facebook pages, Town Manager Dawn Noyes said.
Selectman Carlton Sprague suggested revamping the website, which Noyes said is being looked at and a project she hopes to undertake this summer as staffing issues are solved and after the annual Town Meeting. She agreed the site needed an overhaul.
“We just need to do what we do, and to do it better,” Sprague said.
In other business, the board approved a proposed design by students at Oxford Hills Technical School for the new monument on Route 26 marking the boundary between Paris and Norway. The stone marker was damaged last year by a vehicle. The student design will utilize the stonework that’s there and include a large plaque and a sign with the words “Oxford Hills” above the stones, with the bronze markers for Paris and Norway.
The board approved donating a 2010 Ford Explorer from the Police Department to the automotive program at the tech school, which is part of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. Before giving the vehicle to the school in the fall, the town may use it this summer as a decoy for traffic control.
In her report, Noyes said the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas Parade in November. The Concert in the Park series will begin July 14.
The town recently hired a new bookkeeper at the Town Office, she said.
Noyes also praised the Oxford Hills Rotary Club, which recently planted flowers at the park and has agreed to volunteer to repair the gazebo roof.
The town needs a couple of ballot clerks for the June 8 election. Anyone interested should contact the Town Office.
The board agreed to sign the School Administrative District warrant for the upcoming referendum.
Following a 17-minute executive session, the board adopted a provision under the Maine Public Employee Retirement System that will allow employees to earn retirement benefits more quickly.
Sprague and Selectman Christopher Summers both said they would like to see some sort of community event with the pandemic restrictions easing. Summers suggested a combined celebration with Norway.
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