Police to seek free vehicle

RUMFORD -- Selectmen gave approval Thursday to an effort that could provide the police department with a free, low-mileage vehicle.

By virtue of a 3-1 vote of the board (Mark Belanger opposed), Police Chief Stacy Carter will seek a vehicle through the Department of Defense, which is providing no longer used, low-mileage vehicles through a program called Defense for

Utilization for Law Enforcement.

He noted that the Dept. of Defense recently offered seven Humvees, all diesel and four-wheel drive, which have all been claimed. The only condition is that a law enforcement agency has to keep a vehicle for three years. There might also be a shipping cost and a cost to retrieve the vehicle.

Carter said with a Humvee, the police would get out in the woods for the drug eradication program. It would be a suitable vehicle that could also be painted and used as a DARE vehicle in parades or for road block details.

Belanger noted, "There's a perception out there. We don't need a Humvee."

He said he would be okay with the police seeking a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Board Chairman Brad Adley said, "I would prefer to allow the chief to use his judgment as to what is best for his

department."

Carter said they presently have a drug seizure pickup, but it is a high-mileage vehicle he would like to sell. He said he would like to take the money from that to paint and outfit a vehicle from the program.

In other business, selectmen approved the establishment of a Comprehensive Plan Committee to review the document and work with the Planning Board. Any recommended changes must be acted on by residents.

Town Manager Carlo Puiia said that vote could come in June or November of 2012. Residents interested in serving should pick up a candidate application at the town office.

The board approved spending $275 to sponsor a student to attend Girls State, as requested by the American Legion Auxiliary. A similar request will be forthcoming for Boys State. In the future, these requests will go through the initated article process.