POLAND — Selectmen tabled action Thursday on an amendment to an ordinance that would have allowed parking along Birch Drive after several residents spoke against it.

Resident George Gendron complained that the road was simply too narrow to permit parking, even though some do. An ordinance forbids it and signs say it’s illegal.

Resident Kurt Patti pointed out if people parked “reasonably” they might be able park along the road without making things difficult for others.

“Problem is not everyone parks reasonably. Support keeping the ordinance,” Patti said.

Selectman Larry Moreau pointed out that many lots are very small and, during the summer in particular when residents have visitors, there is no room off road.

He also noted that the town would have to post signs every few feet along both sides of the road and ticket and prosecute those who did.

Selectman Jim Fernald asked whether the parked cars were presenting a problem for emergency vehicles.

Town Manager Rosemary Kulow said Fire & Rescue Chief Mark Bosse was going to test it.

Selectmen said they would take the matter up again after they have information on the distance required between signs and whether emergency vehicles had access problems.

In other business, selectmen:

* Awarded the contract for disposition of town property to Meservier & Associates Keller Williams Realty;

* Tabled signing a public works agreement with the town of Mechanic Falls for sharing personnel and equipment until a price per hour has been set for every piece of equipment; and

* Agreed to send a letter to the Maine Department of Conservation, indicating that the town had no objection to Camp North Star submitting a submerged lands application for maintaining existing docks, floats and swim area on Worthley Pond.

Selectmen agreed to establish a crosswalk across Route 26, connecting the Poland Community School with a day care on the southwesterly side of the highway.

Public Works Director Jim Scott said he had quotes totaling $2,600 from Pro Seal and Lucas Stripping to accomplish the necessary curb cutting and painting. Selectmen said the money could come from funds due the town when it joined RSU 16.

Selectmen also agreed to change the name of the quarterly newspaper put out by the town office to keep residents abreast of happenings about town from the Poland Progressive to the Poland Newsletter.

The board did so in response to a series of communications from resident Marilyn Flynn, who pointed out that “Progressive” has become “a highly politicized term which is now attached to a very liberal, left-leaning segment of society which has no place in the title of our taxpayer-funded town publication.”