LIMESTONE, Maine — A proposal from RSU 39 to move Limestone Highs School students to Caribou was one of several key issues discussed by Limestone Selectpeople during their July meeting.
“We were recently notified that the Caribou school brought up a proposal to no longer have grades 9-12 in Limestone,” said Town Manager Fred Ventresco, “and that we instead have our kids go to Caribou High School. The official word is that this is just a proposal at the moment, but it’s a conversation that they want to start.”
“I didn’t know about this until recently,” said Selectperson Melissa Devoe, “and even then it was mostly through rumors. I asked Caribou Superintendent Susan White about this and she said that it was mostly discussed by the finance committee, making it seem as though the proposal was discussed in secret. I brought this to her attention because I believe we have a right to know.”
According to Devoe, the Caribou Superintendent also stated that it would cost approximately $2,000 more to educate a student in Limestone. The board agreed to not make any final decisions until they had an exact figure.
“Even if Limestone votes this down,” added Devoe. “Caribou still has the power to outvote us, as their higher population adds more weight to their vote.”
“This could harm our identity,” said Selectperson Fred Pelletier. “If people want to move to this town, the first thing they’re going to look at is the school.”
“If Limestone High School is vacated, or if we decide to leave RSU 39, the school will still technically be ours,” said Ventresco. “We have about 83 students in our high school. I was told that we would save money by transferring them to Caribou. The truth, however, is that all of RSU 39 would save money, not just Limestone in particular.”
The consolidation of Limestone and Caribou high schools is to be officially discussed on Wednesday, Sept. 2 in the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
“I sent the Caribou Superintendent an email regarding this issue,” said Ventresco. “She wrote that she believes it is very important to hear from the Limestone board before making any final decisions regarding this topic.”
In other business, the panel discussed the newly formed Trafton Campground Committee and how it relates to the municipally sanctioned Trafton Lake Committee.
“This new committee is primarily focused on campground improvement,” said Ventresco. “I believe their reach does not go far beyond that.”
“The selectman should ultimately have control over the allocation of funds to the park,” added Devoe.
“So what should we do about this other committee?” Ventresco asked the board, “should we merge them together?”
“My concern,” said Selectperson Paul Poitras, “is that if we impose new rules, the people who saw those rules back when they first paid rent may request a refund. For example, if the rules regarding ATVs change, some of the tenants might not approve.”
“I believe the new rules will not take effect until next year,” said Ventresco. “It should also be said that anything illegal in the state of Maine is certainly not allowed by park rules.”
Pelletier made a motion to combine the two Trafton Lake boards into one committee that oversees the park. This motion was seconded by Poitras and passed by the Selectpeople.
Limestone Chief of Police Stacey Mahan brought a large portion of the police force to the meeting. He introduced the other officers, some of which are new transfers from Washburn and Caribou. The chief then discussed the Limestone Police Department’s urgent need for a new vehicle, and suggested advertising a bid for a new cruiser.
“The vehicle can be used or new,” said Chief Mahan, “as long as it fits our criteria and falls within our price range.”
The Selectpeople then discussed a couple of older business items.
“There is an open seat on the Loring Development Authority Board,” said Ventresco. He then asked if any Selectpeople would like to volunteer for the position.
Poitras nominated Tom Albert for the position. Pelletier seconded this motion, and it was passed by the board.
The board then went over the process and progress to access funds in the town school reserve to offset school costs on the tax rate.
“We’re doing this because we have lower revenue this year,” said Fred Ventresco. “The town also voted for the figure of $55,000 in the straw poll.
“I voted for the money to go to the school,” said Gregory Ward. “I think that’s the best place for it.”
Moving forward, the board discussed an ordinance for false alarms. Limestone Fire Chief Jon Poitras proposed an ordinance where the Fire Department issues a warning after the third false alarm, and charges for all subsequent false alarms. Both Jon Poitras and Ventresco agreed to discuss this ordinance further and develop a specific plan to present to the board during the next meeting.
During the Manager’s Report, Ventresco discussed a few issues pertinent to Limestone.
“People will send in tax payments that are off by only 50 or 60 cents,” said Ventresco. “At the moment we have a couple residents who only owe about 50 cents in taxes. Other towns, like Fort Fairfield for example, allow a five dollar leeway with their taxes. If we implement a similar rule, it will save us all some unnecessary hassle.”
The motion was made, seconded, and approved for the Town Clerk or Manager to work with a five dollar leeway in regards to local taxes.
During the public comments section, citizens and Selectpeople discussed the upcoming bid for a new police vehicle and offered statements regarding what type of vehicle, as well as what features, are conducive to an affordable, long-lasting, and high quality police cruiser.
The board approved warrants I-IV in the final article of the agenda and then moved to executive session.
