PARIS — The town is taking on the repairs to the crumbling sidewalk at the corner of High and Maple streets, as Mike Gilbert is apparently unwilling to sign a contract releasing the town from any potential damages if he repaired the sidewalk, which is outside an apartment building he owns.
The Select Board this week unanimously approved a plan to repair the sidewalk with cold patch from the steps to the corner.
Gilbert, who owns the building at 1 High St., which is at the corner of Maple Street, complained about the crumbling sidewalk at the meeting Sept. 25. Complicating the matter, Gilbert owns part of the sidewalk and the other half is owned by the town, according to a survey Gilbert had done.
He approached town officials with a plan to fix the sidewalk with cement. He said he was willing to pay for the repairs. However, because of a potential right-of-way issue, the town wanted Gilbert or his contractor sign a contract to protect the town from any liability for future damages.
“He’s not interested in a contract, and we’ve come up with an alternate plan,” Christopher Summers, the board chairman and Code Enforcement Officer said. ” We’re just going to cold patch it and call it good.”
Selectman Peter Kilgore recommended that town officials agree to patch the sidewalk from the stairs to the corner, making sure the new surface is pitched away from the building to prevent flooding issues.
Gilbert was not at the meeting, but had communicated with town officials before the meeting.
In other business, the board reviewed the job description for the combined position of Parks and Recreation and General Assistance Administration Director. Kilgore suggested changing the title from director to coordinator, which the board accepted. Town Manager Dawn Noyes said she expected to interview candidates later in the week.
Selectmen appointed Steve Catanese to the NPC-TV board, while Kristina Moberg was named as an assistant for general assistance.
The annual coat giveaway was a huge success, Noyes said. Nearly 14 garbage bags full of coats for all ages were given away for free.
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