POLAND — Selectmen on Tuesday gave Conservation Commission Co-Chairman Fred Huntress permission to purchase a white oak tree to be planted in memory of former Town Manager Richard “Dick” Chick.

Chick, who died a couple of years ago, served as town manager for 33 years before retiring because of poor health.

Huntress and other commission members thought the white oak would be a fitting tribute to Chick’s memory.

Huntress said he had quotes for trees a little over 2 inches in diameter and 3 inches in diameter. He figured it would be best to go with the smaller tree, not so for the price, but for the fact that it would be more apt to survive the transplanting process. He said he was quoted $675 for the tree, planted and with a year’s guarantee.

Selectmen authorized spending up to $700 for the tree. The money will come from the Conservation Commission’s account with the expectation that Huntress will undertake a fundraising campaign to replenish it.

The white oak will be planted in Waterhouse Brook Park as soon as possible, with a dedicatory ceremony this summer, once the tree is in full leaf.

Selectmen also approved purchasing a commemorative plaque, estimated to cost about $150, to mark the tree and its dedication. The money will be taken from the administration’s social events account.

Selectmen also met with Recreation Director Scott Segal, who discussed changing the department’s name from Recreation Department to Parks and Recreation Department.

Segal noted that since he first took the job 11 years ago, it has expanded considerably and includes the oversight of the Bragdon Hill property, Waterhouse Brook Park, and the town beaches.

“The name reflects what we are doing,” Segal said, “and it might help when we are applying for grants.”

On the subject of Waterhouse Brook, Town Manager Bradley Plante noted two weeks ago he had asked whether anyone on Lower Range Pond was missing a dock because one floated out of the pond and was perched on the top of Waterhouse Dam.

“The runaway dock went over the dam. We’ve hauled it out of the water and its there on the bank for the owner,” Plante said.

Plante also reported that some of the bricks in Ricker Library’s front steps are loose and patrons will have to use the rear entrance for the time being.

“I’d like to put out word that we’re looking for a mason who can repair the steps,” Plante said.

In other business, selectmen:

* Authorized Brendan Morrison, representing Nationwide Insurance, to meet with town employees who might be interested in investing some of their retirement money in Nationwide’s program.

* Ratified the Poland Community and Economic Development Committee’s choice to name Joe Cimino and Norm Davis to serve as the town’s representatives on a joint committee with Auburn for the development of the industrial park off Lewiston Junction Road.