Town to plow in subdivision

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
HOULTON — In a 4-1, the Houlton Town Council agreed to maintain 3,300 feet of gravel roads in the Country Fields Subdivision. The council agreed to plow, do periodic grading and put down liquid calcium for dust control with no commitment to pave the roads or do other maintenance.
    In the public hearing before the vote, Phil Bernaiche and Stan Ginish said taking over the plowing would amount to a burden on the taxpayers. Jim Brown, the developer said his original stated intention was to have the town take over road maintenance when he applied to the planning board. He also said that he had used high-quality gravel to meet town specifications.
Revenue vs. expense
    Brown stated that the development’s tax base is about $1,300,000 which produces around $26,000 in tax revenue requiring about $4,000 in maintenance, Town Manager Douglas Hazlett followed Brown’s comments with a clarification that “should the council agree to accept this road, that in no way obligates the town to pave it or does it imply that it will be paved. It would simply be to plow the snow from it and maintain it as a gravel road.” Public Works Director Leigh Stilwell said, with inflation and cost increases, year-round maintenance could go to $7,500.     
    Sue Tortello cast the lone dissenting vote after expressing concern that people on other private roads would have a right to come forward and expect maintenance, too. She also said other subdivisions are “either in the works or on the books that have roads,” and that would be too expensive for the town. Tortello, who had been on the planning board when Brown first applied to develop the subdivision, said she would be more inclined to vote for maintenance if the roads were already paved. She also said the vote would be “premature at this time” even though Brown had been a responsible developer.
    Prior to the vote, other council members also expressed concern about taking over maintenance in that area and weighed the issue of increased cost to maintain the roads against the tax benefits being paid by residents of the subdivision. Paul Romanelli said taking over all private roads would be economic disaster. But, he added, “we can look at each individual case and make a decision.” Brown, he said, had done his homework and produced economically sustainable roads. Paul Cleary said that roads in the rest of the  subdivision also have to meet town specifications.
Other votes
The council unanimously approved the following:
    Transfer of $128,200 from the fund balance to cover shortfalls in gas, diesel, fuel oil, and legal accounts for police, public works, fire, ambulance, civic center, Gentle Memorial Building, public buildings and administration.
    Granting an option to purchase an easement by Maine Public Service on two parcels of land for the proposed high-voltage transmission line.
    Renewal of the Special Amusement Permit for Dancing and Entertainment by American Legion Post  47.
    Execution of the application to the Department of Public Safety by Richard A. Kelley for renewal of a liquor license.
    Appointment of Kip Swallow as a member of the Houlton Planning Board until 12/11/09.
    Acceptance of the Qualification Proposal from Stantec Consulting Services to be the airport consulting engineers.
    Acceptance of the donations of $2,770.30 for the Just For Kids playground rehabilitation fund.
    Acceptance of the donation of $1,280 for the DARE Program.
    Acceptance of $200 from Empowering Life in lieu of taxes.
    Execution of an agreement between Houlton and the Maine Department of Transportation to replace a bridge — the Hodgdon Stream Project — at no cost to the town.
    Authorization for the town manager to enter into a lease agreement between Houlton and Evergreen Wind Power II LLC for storage of windmill parts through Dec. 31, 2009.
Councilors’ remarks
    Walter Goodrich said the public works department would be out early Tuesday morning to continue clearing snow so that people would be more able to go out and take care of shopping, business and personal needs. Brian Donnelly thanked volunteers who had served turkey dinners for 691 people at the Elks Club. Nancy Ketch joined all the councilors in extending holiday and Christmas greetings. The next council meeting will be Monday, Jan. 12, 2009.