County gets new public works director

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The county commissioners unanimously approved the hiring of Paul Bernier as the new public works director last Wednesday evening at their meeting in Houlton after he beat out 25 other candidates.
    Bernier leaves his post as regional community development director for Frenchville and St. Agatha to assume his new position on June 8, when he will oversee road maintenance issues, negotiations with contractors and administrative grant programs.
NEW COUNTY HIRE — Paul Bernier of Frenchville says he is looking forward to his new responsibilities as director of the Aroostook County Public Works Department. Behind him is the newly renovated Houlton Courthouse.
    “I’m really looking forward to it,” said Bernier of the new responsibilities that involve bringing to the new job his experience as a former businessman and successful grant writer. The commissioners expressed confidence that he will make an impressive mark at the county-wide level based on his expertise. In his current position for the two towns, he has pulled in $6 million in grants that approach $9 million when matching funds are included.    
    The commissioners — Paul Adams, Paul Underwood and Norman Fournier — also approved the hiring of Craig Holder to fill a part-time deputy sheriff position and Scott Turner to fill a part-time temporary position as custodian for the Houlton courthouse. And, a three-year contract, from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2012, was approved for the town of Madawaska to provide fire protection services in T17R4 (Baie Creuse).
    The commissioners tabled approval of snow removal contracts so that County Administrator Doug Beaulieu can review them and make awards to the lowest bidders. They also discussed with Sheriff James Madore concerns about costs involved in maintaining prisoners at the county jail.
    The next meeting will be held Monday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m. in Fort Kent.