Council proclaims week for alums

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Alumni of Houlton High School will enjoy the designation of a week in their honor thanks to the unanimous vote Monday evening by the town council.
    Councilor Nancy Ketch thanked her fellow councilors for proclaiming July 4-10 as Houlton High School Alumni Association Week.
Economic development update
    In other business, Jon McLaughlin, executive director of the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation (SADC), presented an economic development update to the council. He said Smith and Wesson’s Houlton facility is continuing to hire and may have to expand to accommodate their manufacturing needs.
    Agreement on the purchase of the Montreal Maine & Atlantic Railroad is still uncertain as state and federal agencies have not yet agreed on any terms. McLaughlin did say he thinks that the feeling “is cautiously optimistic that a positive outcome will prevail.”
    McLaughlin also said the town “dodged a bullet when Tate & Lyle announced they were continuing production at the Houlton facility” which saved 35 jobs. Company officials are now looking at ways to lower operating costs, principally in the area of energy efficiency, according to McLaughlin. Among the possible resolutions to the company’s high cost of heating the building is conversion to bio-mass boilers.
Fund balance policy
    Town Manager Doug Hazlett discussed a recommendation from Ron Smith, the town’s auditor, who had recommended a policy regarding the fund balance. Hazlett said actions would be governed by one of three tiers: a minimum level, a maximum level and a target level.
    At the next meeting, the councilors will continue the discussion of a fund balance policy.
Zoning
    The first phase of the zoning ordinance review wrapped up as councilors discussed which uses will be allowed in various areas of Houlton. The next step will be refining definitions and making updates to the list.
    Before adjourning, the council went into executive session to discuss economic development issues.  
    The next council meeting will be held in Council Chambers at 21 Water St., Monday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m.