RUMFORD — The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted Thursday evening to appropriate $3,745 for the Rumford Fire Department to purchase a new thermal imaging camera.

At the Sept. 5 board meeting, fire Chief Robert Chase asked if it would be possible to repair the Fire Department’s thermal imaging camera.

Town Manager Carlo Puiia said the board talked with the chief and learned that the camera is an older model, which means the price of repairing it may exceed the price of purchasing a new one.

Chase said at Thursday night’s meeting that his research showed the cost of a refurbished camera would cost $3,647, while a new FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera purchased through C&S Specialty would cost $3,745.

“I think that the board should accept the new Fluke Thermal Imaging Camera through C&S Specialty,” Chase said. “The prices between the two options are pretty competitive, and we’ll end up receiving $250 for trading in our old camera. I don’t think we’re going to have any issues with the Fluke camera if we go with it.”

The board voted 5-0 to allow Chase to make the purchase.

In other business, selectmen unanimously voted to reject a request by resident Eric Giroux for the Fireman’s Relief Association to host a toll road.

Puiia said that he “discussed the matter” with police Chief Stacy Carter, who said he “disapproved of having a toll road in town.”

“It’s the chief’s belief that a toll road would back up traffic and create interruptions in the roadway,” Puiia told Giroux. He said Maine law says residents must receive approval from the municipality and local law enforcement before they can set up a toll road.

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it’s going to work right now,” Chairman Greg Buccina told Giroux.

The board approved a request from the Rumford Fraternal Order of Eagles for a liquor license application and special amusement permit.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com

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