RANGELEY — The Board of Selectmen voted Monday to make filling the town’s vacant code enforcement officer position its top staffing priority, approved more than $425,000 in federal airport funding, and discussed a significant error in contract documents for the Oquossoc Scenic Byways project.
The board also addressed vendor licensing for the upcoming Rangeley Fly-In, labor negotiations, cemetery regulations and several other town matters. Members reiterated that first-time vendors must be present in person, by proxy or via Zoom during public hearings to obtain permit approval.
The board held to its new two-hour meeting limit as it moved through the agenda.
One of the more substantive discussions centered on staffing within the Community Development, Planning and Code Department following the resignation of Code Enforcement Officer Breck Parker.
Board members questioned whether creating a new position was necessary when the town’s immediate need is to replace the code enforcement officer and manage the department’s existing workload.
One member said, “To me, a code enforcement officer is probably the number one priority right now,” while another member noted that the department must handle its current responsibilities before additional positions are created.
The board voted unanimously to authorize Town Manager Joe Roach to hire a new code enforcement officer for the coming year, and several members thanked Parker for his work.
The board approved $425,313 in Airport Improvement Program funds for continued reconstruction of the airport apron.
The Airport Commission recommended completing a full-depth box cut beginning on the easterly side of the apron and extending west as far as funding allows, with the goal of finishing two to three tie-downs to meet Federal Aviation Administration standards.
The board unanimously accepted the grant and authorized Roach to sign the FAA documents. Between $94,000 and $95,000 in airport funding is set to expire this year; unused funds must be returned.
Members also spent considerable time reviewing a major discrepancy in contract documents for the Oquossoc Scenic Byways project. The paperwork called for 3.2 cubic yards of loam, but the project actually requires 220 cubic yards — a $72,000 cost difference.
The board also discussed a proposed $19,000 curtain drain. Roach had paused work to keep the project within budget, but the board amended its motion to allow the drain if funding becomes available.
At the start of the meeting, the board opened a public hearing on vendor licenses for the upcoming Fly-In. A miscommunication left one vendor, Rangeley Wild, unable to attend because of a work schedule, and the board did not approve the permit. Members clarified that Rangeley Wild may still conduct its giveaway at the event because it is not selling raffle tickets or exchanging money.
The discussion also raised the possibility of using a registered nonprofit organization as an umbrella for remaining vendors to help manage fees.
The board unanimously approved vendor licenses for Saddleback Ski Operations and Wickey Mainah Popcorn Co., each paying a $70 fee.
The board approved spending up to $1,500 from the town’s airstrip/airshow account to support the 2026 Fly-In, reducing the original $3,000 request after staff determined expenses would be significantly lower.
Members discussed updating rules and regulations governing town cemeteries, including the number of burials allowed in a plot. Currently, one plot may contain one casket or four cremains. Residents and board members raised concerns about snowmobiles entering cemeteries illegally and damaging headstones, as well as people hunting on cemetery property.
The board reviewed a letter from Dr. Peter Carter regarding seaplane noise.
Roach said the town has no jurisdiction over noise from such aircraft, which is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and that complaints must be filed with the agency.
A letter from resident Holly Herman raised concerns about black smoke emissions from commercial trucks.
Roach said the town does not have the equipment or authority to conduct U.S. Department of Transportation emissions inspections and advised contacting the appropriate state agency.
The board unanimously nominated Shiloh LaFreniere for a one-year term as vice president of the Maine Municipal Association and nominated Chris Camire, Michele LaBree Daniels and Richard Petrie to serve on the MMA Executive Committee.
