Lawson steps down after two decades on Board of Selectmen

FALLS VILLAGE — The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Selectmen Monday, Oct. 3, was the last for longtime Selectman Peter Lawson.First Selectman Pat Mechare thanked Lawson for his 24 years of service on the board — 18 as first selectman and eight as a selectman.“We appreciate your devoted service to our town,” she said.Mechare reported that bids for the renovation of the Falls Village Children’s Theater building at 103 Main St. were opened Monday. Thomas Custom Builders had the low bid at $219,900; Burlington Construction’s bid was $357,785; and Gennarini Construction came in at $345,500.Mechare said the state Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) committee would meet Saturday morning, Oct. 8, to discuss the bids. One snag: Mechare said the amount of money left in the grant is less than the lowest bid. She said the bidding process might have to be reopened, with contractors bidding on specific parts of the job instead of the entire thing.The board voted to spend an extra $517 per year to expand the town’s liability coverage from $3 million to $5 million. Mechare said, “I immediately think of the pool” and its potential for liability problems, and Selectman Chuck Lewis noted that with expanded Recreation Commission programs in the fall and winter it would be a good idea to get the additional insurance.