FARMINGTON — Selectmen voted on Tuesday evening, May 28, to permit Town Manager Erica LaCroix to sign a proclamation celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Teague World War I Memorial Arch.

The recognition was held Monday, May 27, Chair Joshua Bell noted.

The proclamation recognizes May 27 as the official day of commemoration for the 100th anniversary of the arch. “Teague World War I Memorial Arch stands as a timeless symbol of honor, sacrifice, and remembrance,” it reads. “One hundred years ago, on this hallowed ground, the Farmington community joined in dedicating this magnificent arch bequeathed by John M. Teague to honor the brave soldiers who served their country with valor and distinction during the Great War.”

The arch serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and democracy, and as a tribute to their enduring legacy, the proclamation notes. It “provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the profound impact of war on our community, our nation, and the world, and to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service to their country,” it states. “I call upon all citizens to join together in honoring the memory of our fallen heroes, to reflect on the sacrifices made for the cause of freedom, and to reaffirm our commitment to peace, justice, and equality for all.”

On May 14 Franklin County Commissioners agreed to sign a similar proclamation. They previously approved money from their allotment of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to improve the monument area on Fairbanks Road. Mt. Blue Area Garden Club organized the restoration with help from the Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28 in Farmington and volunteers.

In other business, the board voted to review policy regarding concessions at Hippach Field after denying a food truck from setting up at Hippach Field for a special event.

Policy states you can’t sell food at Hippach Field, it has to do with the Peter Mills Trust for Hippach Field, Bell explained.

The Frosty Paw, which specializes in frozen treats was approached by an unnamed school about possibly setting up for a field trip/field day at Hippach Field on June 13, Bell noted. Selectmen approved the license for The Frosty Paw in 2022 and owner Mary Hastings of Chesterville asked for an exception, he stated.

“Do we want to put this on as an agenda item,” he asked.

Selectman Dennis O’Neil suggested the truck could park on the street.

“There is no soliciting on town property,” Bell responded. He stated policy is why candy bars and such can’t be sold at Cap Ripken baseball games.

If this instance was allowed the board would have to allow anyone approaching the board, O’Neil said.

“Every baseball game is a special event,” Selectman Matthew Smith noted. He coached there for a long time. Businesses across from Hippach Field rely on sales from attendees, he said. “It has always been a big topic,” he stated. “It has come up before. I think it is a good policy.”

The request didn’t state if Hastings would be charging for the ice cream or if the school is paying for it, Bell said. “It sounds like they would set up elsewhere either on the way back to school or at school [if the request is denied],” he noted.

“The policy is no, so until the policy changes the answer has to be no,” Selectman Richard Morton said. “I wouldn’t mind looking at the policy again at some point.” While a student at Farmington High School there was always a concession stand selling hot dogs, popcorn and soda, he noted. When asked, he said there were businesses across the street then.

Smith said the Mills Trust language might need to be looked at and changed.

In reference to policy, if the board says no, the policy should be reviewed to make sure the board is applying it properly, Morton added.