HOULTON, Maine — Some logged in using their phones. Others via webcam. Some had trouble logging in at all for a short time. But in the end, Houlton’s first online town council meeting went off without a hitch.
The council meeting was held over the video conferencing app Zoom, which has seen an explosion in use since many states have issued stay-at-home orders, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the app, council members were able to get together and discuss agenda items from the safety of their own homes.
“We’re getting used to it,” council chair Jane Torres said.
Previously, the town council had held closed meetings in response to the pandemic, only broadcasting them on public access cable. But it meant that anyone without access to cable was prevented from knowing the results of any meeting. With Zoom, anyone who has the Meeting ID is allowed to join in. The meeting was also broadcast on Facebook Live by the radio station WHOU.
Councilors also praised the citizens of Houlton for staying safe and taking the proper measures to fight against the spread of COVID-19.
“I’d really like to commend our community for really hunkering down and doing as we really need to do it for the prevention of any further illness in this town,” councilor Eileen McLaughlin said. “Our prevention efforts are working and I hope they will continue to.”
The council also took time to recognize two individuals for their many years of service with the town of Houlton: Gail Cleary, for 30 years of service at the town office, and Glen Targonski, with 25 years of service at Houlton Ambulance.
“I’m just constantly amazed that our employees like us so much they stay for all these years,” Torres said. “It’s been a pleasure working for both of them.”
The council accepted a Tax Anticipation Note bid from First National Bank for $738,000, with an interest rate of 1.28 percent at an as needed basis. Next, they approved the renewal of the application to operate taxicabs in Houlton by Barbara Ganem of Shiretown Taxi.
“She’s done a fabulous job in the past and I think that’s great,” McLaughlin said of the taxi service. “I look forward to her continuing.”
The other two items were the accepting of the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant of $4,604.50 for the police department and waiving the bid advertisement requirement for the asphalt street paving bid.
Torres ended the meeting by saying that though the office is closed to visitors, it remains open for business and people can call in for anything they may need.
“We’re still there, and we’re still working for you,” Torres said.
