LIMESTONE, Maine — The Limestone Selectpeople met on May 21 to discuss a number of different items on the agenda, but most importantly the board will be holding June 10 elections for the vacant board position. The candidates for the election include Fred Pelletier, Tom Albert and Melissa Devoe.
Pelletier is a Democrat who has been teaching woodworking at Houlton High School for the last 10 years. He has a master’s degree in educational leadership and is currently working to obtain a C.A.S. in leadership. He has served on the board for two terms in the past. Despite his allegiance with the Democratic Party, Pelletier claims he has adopted the strategy of voting more based on the person, rather than their party affiliation.
Tom Albert is currently serving on the Limestone Selectpeople’s board, and is up for re-election to serve another term.
Melissa Devoe is the third and final candidate vying for the board spot, however, she was unavailable for comment.
There will also be a vote held at the next town meeting to decide on whether or not to cut the Limestone Police Department from a 24-hour shift, down to an 18-hour shift, due to budget cutbacks. According to Limestone Police Chief Mahan, the cut in hours of service will not include a cut in staff.
“To cover the 18-hour service there will continue to be the need for two full-time officers and myself. Currently at our 24 hours service a total of 48 hours a week are covered by part-time officers, this would be the change if we go to 18 hours,” said Mahan in a letter to The Aroostook Republican. “In summary, the taxpayers of Limestone need to weigh the estimated savings of roughly $15,000 with what will be a significant delay in response time along with the possible current and future impact on business and homeowners operations.”
The board also discussed the possibility of placing some type of memorial at the Limestone Fire Dept. in honor of Dr. Albert H. Damon, who organized the very first volunteer fire department in Limestone more than a century ago. Fire Chief Jon Poitras was in attendance at the meeting to discuss the possibility of building some kind of memorial to commemorate Dr. Damon at the fire station.
“It would be nice to put a stone or some type of plaque together that honors Dr. Damon,” said Poitras.
The board decided it would be best to hold a public hearing to discuss this idea with Limestone community members, but they did take a straw vote to encourage people at the public hearing, and inform citizens that the board’s recommendation is to go ahead with the planning.
The board also announced the appointment of a new code enforcement officer and plumbing inspector, Steve Wentworth. Wentworth will be asked to attend the next town meeting, in order for everyone to get to meet the new town employee.
The next Limestone town meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4 at the Limestone town office.
