PARIS — The Select Board voted Monday to keep a town-owned parcel on Buckfield Road rather than sell it, as members discussed whether the property could be used for recreation or conservation.
Jonathan LaPointe, owner of 155 Buckfield Road, asked to purchase the vacant town-owned parcel next to his property. The town determined the land was acquired through a tax foreclosure in 1990.
Board members questioned whether selling the property would be in the town’s best interest, noting Paris has limited land available for recreation.
Selectman Robert Federico said the board had previously discussed keeping the parcel and suggested it could support community uses.
“We have very limited opportunities to attract people for recreation,” Federico said.
Selectman Robert Ripley said the town needs more recreational opportunities to attract families. Board members discussed the possibility of turning the property into a park, using it for conservation or otherwise beautifying the area.
“We need certain things to draw families, for this to be a nice place to live,” Ripley said.
The board ultimately agreed to retain the property for now while considering potential conservation or recreational uses. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
The property decision was one of several issues before the board Monday. Selectmen tabled three applications to the Planning Board until Sept. 14, with members discussing how applicants should be interviewed and selected.
Board members also discussed whether applicants should be interviewed before appointments are made and whether the town should establish a more formal process for selecting candidates.
Ripley said the board should not appoint people simply because they apply.
“Just appointing people because they apply is not the way we want to go,” he said.
The board further discussed creating a search committee to help evaluate applicants. Members raised questions about the committee’s role and how it would interact with the Select Board and town manager.
Federico said transparency was a key consideration in deciding how the process should work.
“For me, it’s the idea of transparency,” Federico said.
The board accepted an anonymous $2,000 donation to be split between Parks & Recreation and Youth Sports and approved a contract with Responsible Pet Care.
Fees for picking up stray animals remain unchanged from last year, with a $40 fee for the first day of canine pickup and $15 for each additional day, and a $20 fee for the first day of feline pickup and $7 for each additional day.
During public comment, residents raised concerns about the town’s veterans and homestead property tax exemptions, money the town holds in certificates of deposit, a lack of road signs at Market Square and the absence of public bathrooms in town.
The Select Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 24, while the Planning Board applicants are set to return for consideration Sept. 14.
