Staff Writer
The Caribou City Council met Tuesday, Nov. 9, for a regular meeting with counselors Miles Williams, Karla Bell, David Martin, Mayor Kenneth Murchison and City Manager Steven Buck present. Counselors, Mark Goughan, Mary Kate Barbosa and Chris Bell were not in attendance. Patricia Brice, representing, Families for Me. adoption program, approached the council, asking that the month of November be proclaimed, National Adoption Awareness Month in Caribou. Brice informed those present that currently in Maine there are 152 children who are awaiting adoption, of these children 111 having been waiting for a year or longer. Brice also stated that the adoption awareness month recognized not only adoptive families but those who provide licensed foster care homes as well.
Council members voted to approve the proclamation which was read by Mayor Kenneth Murchison but it was agreed the document would be held until all city councilors were in attendance to sign.
There being no public input scheduled, Mayor Murchison reminded those in the council chambers and those in the viewing audience that Caribou’s Sesquicentennial Celebration wasn’t over yet and encouraged those interested to peruse www.celebratecaribou.com for more information.
Council members authorized the minutes from the Oct. 26 council and workshop meetings and opened a public hearing to receive verbal and written comment on the proposed amendment of Section 16-102 to change CADET membership allowances from the Caribou School Department to Eastern Aroostook RSU 39. Kathy Mazzuchelli, director of Caribou Parks and Recreation, approached the council during this topic which was said to be, “ just a bit of housekeeping,” as youth now part of the Eastern RSU 39 and those tuition students attending the RSU 39 schools, continue to be part of the membership.
Councilor Miles Williams stated, “I commend those responsible for the CADET program, they are exceptional, dedicated and a very knowledgeable group of individuals. This is a very valuable program within our school systems and I congratulate those on the committee for a good job — they are a passionate group.”
Mazzuchelli and Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan also provided an in-depth update regarding the activities undertaken by the Caribou Area community alcohol and Drug Education Team (CADET) highlighting facts, statistics, education, goals and accomplishments of the various programs provided to area youth through the various CADET related programs. A complete report on Mazzuchelli and Chief Gahagan’s presentation will be in next week’s edition of the Aroostook Republican.
Other council business included:
• The consideration of a review of and acting upon pending 2007 tax lien properties pursuant to the Tax Acquired Property Policy.
• Consideration of acting upon comments on the proposed Charter Amendments for the Caribou Utilities District to be submitted to the State legislature. The council approved the draft with three votes in favor and one abstention.
• Authorized a Municipal Quitclaim Deed for taxes paid in full, Tax Map 34, Lot 189.
• Renewed a bingo game of chance license for the Knights of Columbus 1870. 357 Washburn Road.
• Granted a one time Texas Hold’Em game of chance license for the American Legion Post 15, at 67 Sweden Street.
• Updated regarding the purchase of LED street lights and LED lights for the runway at the Caribou Municipal Airport. These purchases in consideration through an $85,000 grant application being written.
• In other business counselors were informed by City Manager Buck of the need to begin considerations regarding recommendations for an appointment to the Loring Development Authority Planning Board.
The next Caribou City Council meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. in the council chambers.
