Selectmen unsure about cross-training road crew for fires

WEST PARIS - The West Paris Board of Selectmen reviewed proposed revisions to the town's personnel policies as suggested by Town Manager John White. However, in the absence of Selectman Randy Jones, the selectmen agreed not to vote until all are present.

Selectman Wade Rainey commented that he was concerned with a suggestion that the town public works crew should be trained as firefighters. If an alarm came while they were working, they should then stop whatever they were doing as road crewmen and respond as firefighters.

"That sounds fine, but if they were plowing, or sanding, say, what they're doing is for public safety, too. They shouldn't stop that to go get the fire truck," Rainey pointed out.

"Yes, but I believe the idea is that they know how to drive those big [fire]trucks. That's why we wanted them to respond," White explained.

Henderson said he hadn't really thought of it from Rainey's perspective, but concluded the discussion by saying he'd like to hear Jones' take on it.

Bruce Downing was appointed to the town's budget committee and Ken Poland was reappointed. White said it does not begin to meet until December. At this stage, White said he is still formulating the proposed budget.

The board gave permission to Ryan Billings, a candidate for Eagle Scout, to install a replacement flag pole on the space between the town hall and the derby hill. He told the board he estimates it would cost about $650, and he would work on raising the money through donations. He hopes that the pole will be erected in the spring, in time for Memorial Day.

Both regularly scheduled meetings in November fall on holidays.

The second Thursday is November 11, Veteran's Day, also known as ("Armistice Day,") and the fourth Thursday is Thanksgiving. The town fathers present have long memories.

"The last time this happened I think we met on Wednesday," observed Chairman Dennis Henderson.

Rainey agreed and added, "Worked then, might as well do it that way again."

The two selectmen raised their hands and it was enacted that the November meetings of the West Paris Board of Selectmen will take place on the days before those regularly scheduled.