WEST PARIS — Selectmen signed a resolution that states the town’s support of the constitutional right to bear arms, which was passed at a special town meeting earlier this month.

Library Director Brenda Gould said the library has removed many of its guidelines but is still recommending that people wear masks when inside the building. Gould also said staff is still wearing masks out of consideration for children under age 12 and immune-compromised people.

“We’re looking forward to a gradual ramping up now that we have a higher capacity opportunity,” Gould said.

Gould said no students from Agnes Gray have come over this year yet, but that she expects to see them this summer.

“Kids like to use the computers and stay for long periods of time, and that had not been an option but now it is an option again,” Gould said. “We’re gradually going to reintroduce programs like story time, which will start in the next couple of weeks.”

Rec Director Angie Paine told the board that baseball and softball seasons are going well so far. The fields are getting maintenance and also that fundraising efforts are underway, with t-shirts and sweatshirts “in the works” as well as calendars, which are expected to come out next month.

Advertisement

Select Woman Jennifer Billings noted that players no longer need to wear masks during games and Paine added that now they no longer need them dugouts, either.

Paine also said this summer she is looking to bring back yoga and get a basketball program going.

Paine finished off her update to selectmen by saying that she plans to have a move night on the ballfield this summer and wondered if the board needed a written proposal. The board said they did not need anything in writing. Paine said she plans to hire someone to provide a movie screen to use.

May 13 meeting

Resident Mike Grass told the board that many of the town’s fire hydrants are not functioning properly, with many not turning on at all and others turning on, but then not turning back off.

According to the minutes, West Paris pays a little more than $10,000 every three months for hydrant rentals and that the Water District is responsible for the upkeep of them, which has not been done for a lengthy amount of time.

Advertisement

Selectman Dale Piirainen asked Town Manager Joy Downing to reach out to Maine Municipal Association legal services to see how the town can address the issue. Grass also informed town officials that if the insurance companies residents use discover that the hydrants are not working correctly, everyone’s insurance premiums will increase substantially.

Downing said she planned to contact MMA Legal about the issue and also said that Fire Chief Troy Billings will give her a list of the hydrants that are not working.

Selectmen also approved having a management company get rid of all Ledgeview Living Center personal property currently belonging to the town. Before property can be disposed, Downing will have to contact Assessor Donna Hayes because of back taxes having to be abated, according to the minutes.

The Trap Corner Ridge Riders ATV Club was approved access for some parts of the Morse Hill Road, Abbott Hill Road and Stearns Hill Road. Piirainen said the club “did a really good job last year” and that the town received no complaints from residents.

Comments are not available on this story.