MECHANIC FALLS — After an executive session Monday night, Town Council Chairwoman Tarsha Downing resigned because she no longer resides in town.

“I need to resign from my position here on the council,” she said tearfully. “I no longer live in town … and according to the Town Charter this disqualifies me from being on the council. … Thank you for having me.”

Vice Chairman Darrell Young said, “I thank Tarsha for all her hard work the past two years. Getting to know her, sitting beside her was just tremendous. … Tarsha has done a wonderful job and wishing her nothing but the best going forward.”

The council meeting continued after Downing left.

The council approved the purchase of a police cruiser from Quirk Auto Group for $45,285.

The council also accepted the bid, with a contingency of a five-year warranty, from Royal Flooring of Lewiston for $28,700 to replace the flooring in the main entrance, vestibule, the first and second hallways, and stairway landings of the Municipal Building.