LIMESTONE, Maine — The town of Limestone is currently going through a transformation with much of the town’s staff. The town’s selectpeople met for their regular meeting, as well as a public hearing on Aug. 6 to discuss the opening of the town’s recreation director position, along with a number of other agenda items. The board did, however, have to table some agenda items due to the fact only three of the five selectpersons were able to attend the meeting. Board chairman Tom Devoe made sure to announce prior to the meeting’s start that any items voted on would need to have a unanimous vote in order to pass, as three votes would still be required for a majority.
Two previous job openings that have since been filled in Limestone are a truck driver and laborer for the public works deptartment position, which was given to Fred Philbrick, and the town clerk and tax collector position given to Susan Tucker.
The recreation director position was previously filled by Sara Shaw, who recently turned in her resignation, which was voted on and approved by the board at the Aug. 6 meeting.
The board held a special public hearing prior to the regular meeting to solicit comments in regard to filling the recreation director’s position. Much of the discussion dealt with the option of filling the position with a new part-time employee, rather than full-time, as Shaw previously was. Nothing concrete was decided upon conclusion of the public hearing, however, Devoe commented that it was a very good conversation.
Board member Tom Albert pointed out that during the school year, the rec doesn’t open until almost 3 p.m. On the surface, this may give the impression that the job only requires a part-time employee, however, both the town members in attendance and the selectpersons agreed that money and time are not necessarily the issue, but rather finding the right person to fill that role, who will be able to draw in more activities and more children.
One Limestone citizen, Melissa Devoe, voiced her opinion about the prospective hiring by suggesting the town ask other towns similar in size whether or not they have a full-time or part-time recreation director, in an attempt to gauge which option may be better for Limestone.
“Some kids are just itching to play summer sports, but I don’t think this is an issue our town is going to be able to solve by itself,” she said. “Lately, there just doesn’t seem to be anything offered for them.”
Albert agreed that there appeared to be some kind of disconnect between the recreation department and the town.
“If you’re a kid playing softball or baseball in school, then it would only make sense that these kids want to play all year long, not just during the school year,” said Albert. “That just wouldn’t sound right. There’s a disconnect there that we need to fix.”
Town Manager Donna Bernier explained that there is a board in place for the recreation department, but many members no longer have children utilizing the department.
“I can think of a few people on the board who no longer have kids in the area because they’ve gone off to college, so some of their concerns may be drifting elsewhere by now,” said Bernier.
During further discussion at the regular meeting, Bernier posed the question of when the board would decide what to do about filling the position, and what sort of time frame they may be looking at. Devoe claimed that nothing should be decided without the support of a full board, but waiting another two weeks may be too long.
The idea to hold another special public meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 13 was brought forth and approved by the board, when they will hold further discussion about the vacant position.
“That will give us time to digest everything and go over all considerations,” said Devoe.
The board had old business to deal with regarding the signing of a quitclaim deed to Stephen and Diane Brooker for property the two own at 13 Bog Rd. Brooker had previously asked Bernier to write up a letter of forgiveness, which she presented to the board at the meeting. The deed, which was signed by the board members in attendance, is a legal instrument that when signed by the grantor transfers any interest to a recipient, or grantee. The owner/grantor terminates any right and claim to the property, thereby allowing claim to transfer to the grantee.
During the Town Manager’s report, Bernier announced at the meeting that she had just received the bids for road salting back from the Northern Maine Development Commission and despite the fact the salt price has increased from $65 to $73.45 per ton, they have decided to stick with Cargo Icing Technologies — the same company the town has been contracting with for a number of years.
Bernier also announced that she has finished balancing the town’s tax figures and she expects the numbers to result in the same mil rate as the previous year’s. She explained that she hoped to have all the commitment papers for the board members to sign at the next meeting, as she expressed that she would like to get the taxes finished and out of the way by the beginning of September.
The board reviewed and approved a memorandum of understanding with certified public accountant Chester Kearney for audit services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.
The agenda also included the review and approval of the Limestone Unit, Local 220, Council 93 union contract, but it was decided the board would table the vote until the next regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
