MECHANIC FALLS — The Town Council on Monday discussed with the Recreation Committee plans for a couple of the ball fields behind the municipal building complex on Lewiston Street.

At issue was what the committee intended to do with the Ronnie Pratt field and specifically if it would change from grass to dirt. The council made it clear that it was up to the committee and it should keep the council informed of any major decision on use the property because it belongs to the town.

Councilor Nick Konstantoulakis said he was concerned whether the sprinkler heads installed for Coleman Field might present a problem and was told they would not.

In other business, the council agreed to award the contract for a new Case backhoe for the water and the Public Works departments to Beauregard of Scarborough for $45,875 after a trade-in of $56,000 for the old backhoe.

Water Department Superintendent Steve French noted the bid was $2,875 higher than one for a John Deere, that he concluded didn’t measure up to all the specifications.

The council chose Scott Penney to receive the 2016 Spirit of America Award for his years of service to the community.

The council also accepted the resignations of Jeff Martin from the Recreation Committee and Dave Griffiths from the Planning Board. Jackie Preston was named the new election clerk for the Republican party.

Town Manager Koriene Low announced that Carl Beckett will be honored in a ceremony at the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta on April 12. He will receive the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Public Sector Volunteer.

Low also told the council she expects the Maine Department of Transportation will begin repairing Sawyer Bridge this week and the bridge will be closed for eight to 10 weeks.

Sawyer Bridge spans the Little Androscoggin River on Lane Road, just off Route 121.

Low said she requested DOT put detour signs near the traffic lights in downtown Mechanic Falls advising motorists to follow Route 11 to Five Corners and Route 26. Otherwise motorists can follow Route 121 to Route 26 in Oxford.