Councilors revisit waste cleanup issue, sign public works contract

16 years ago

By Traci Storti Wilde
Special to the Pioneer Times

    We've heard that before.
    That's how councilors and spectators alike responded to Monday night's most discussed issue, the West Site/Hows Corner Superfund Site Tolling Agreement.
    Houlton, along with many other municipalities, has reportedly paid $27,000 to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the contamination of soil by inappropriate disposal of oil during a period ranging from 1965 to 1980 at the closed central Maine site.
    Local resident Phil Bernaiche expressed frustration, remarking, “It seems as though ever since I can remember it's been the same song on the violin: it's going to be over, and you, [Councilors], have heard it. … I wouldn't give them a penney.” Possible legal ramifications are exactly the reason Hazlett believes Houlton must continue to comply with the EPA mandate.
    Hazlett explained that the fee does not settle the issue; the money is a pooling of all parties involved in the original infraction. “Failure to be part of this tolling agreement means that you could be singularly liable, and you don't want to do that,” he said.
    Hazlett is optimistic that the end is near. “It appears that if it continues the way it is going that our future liability will be virtually nothing,” stated the town manager.
    Council Chair Paul Cleary reminded taxpayers that no further money is being spent — as of yet. Cleary, however, also acknowledged that the issue has been burdening the Council for many years.
    Cleary agreed with Bernaiche, saying, “The last time we signed this we were forced to sign it because if we don't they're going to file a lawsuit against you.”
    Despite the frustration, councilors resigned themselves to the EPA's expectation and voted to allow Hazlett to execute the agreement. Fees assessed will help fund the cleanup of contaminated groundwater at the former dump site. Hows Corner was acquired by the town of Plymouth in Penobscot County in 1992.
    Councilors also authorized Hazlett to execute several other documents regarding two local businesses and a union contract. Hazlett's first authorization concerned the Shiretown Motor Inn.
    Local business owner Marty Gervais was commended by councilors for the restoration of the Shiretown Motor Inn after a serious fire in May 2007.
    Hazlett commented on the importance of quality lodging in Houlton. “That's a real critical issue to get people into town for concerts and tourism and snowmobiling.”
    The Shiretown Motor Inn will benefit from placement in the North Road Tax Increment Financing District, a status granted to several other local businesses.
    The second business authorization concerned AKTEM Business Park, located of the site of the former Houlton International at the airport.
    Hazlett explained that one of the buildings purchased by Chad Walton does not sit entirely on the Houlton International footprint, but on leased land. Since this land has not yet been released by the Federal Aviation Administration for sale, leasing is the most viable option.
    Attendee and Board of Budget Review member Stan Ginish commented, “We do need to get the documents right on that.”
    In an attempt to get all documents accurate, councilors authorized Hazlett to obtain surveys and appraisals for the piece of land in question.     No land was leased; Hazlett is simply investigating the process. Any potential leasing agreements would return to later public council meetings.
    The final authorization concerned the recently negotiated union contract with public works employees. The council granted Hazlett power to sign all necessary documents.
    The new contract offers several compromises including substantial changes in health care insurance coverage.
    The town manager explained the details of the new health care package. “We have eliminated the eyeglass and dental and hospitalization deductible program that was in the contract before and rolled it into a new health care spending account which is an IRS-approved program.” The town benefits from lower overall costs due to higher deductibles, while employees may opt for pre-tax deductions from their paycheck. Such pre-tax deductions offer savings to the individual as well.
    While the contract did not encounter the full satisfaction of the public, councilors were satisfied.
    The contract provides a stipulation to renegotiate health care pending a “substantive change” in cost. Councilor Paul Romanelli concurred with Hazlett's view of the future of health care. Romanelli called the measure a “realistic approach.”
    Several public works employees were in attendance to witness discussion of an authorization by councilors. The contract also provides for a 3 percent cost of living increase for each of the next three years.
    In other business Rick Kelly, owner of Ivey's Motor Inn, was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals through March 2010. Both Kelley and fellow resident Hank Lemerise were recognized for their willingness to serve the community. Lemerise had also offered to fill the position.
    Councilors focused closing comments on school being back in session. Citizens are reminded to drive carefully and watch for children as the youngsters embark on the 2008-2009 school year.
    The next council meeting is slated for Monday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.