Council to revisit sign ordinance

Complaints about transfer station procedures aired
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON— Wording of the ordinance governing placement of campaign signs will be scrutinized by the town council since some statewide candidates may have gained an unfair advantage over others by placing signs in unauthorized locations at the last minute.
    Councilor Paul Romanelli said the current ordinance does work well for local elections, but he had concerns about potential sign placement violations for the upcoming November mid-term election. Town Manager Doug Hazlett said now would be the time to address any weakness in the ordinance.
    Councilors also discussed the new procedures at the transfer station and residents’ complaints about service. Nancy Ketch said some residents, who can only go to the transfer on Saturday, have not been able to purchase the new trash bags on that day.
    Hazlett said he will share concerns with management at Pine Tree Waste. Romanelli added: “our first duty is to satisfy and serve the people we represent.”
    Hazlett also said that a consent decree has been signed to settle environmental issues regarding the Hows Corner Superfund site resulting in a reimbursement to the town for $822.28.
New business
    Two new signs designed for the Houlton International Airport, courtesy of Stantec and Sargent Corporation, have been donated to the town and accepted by the council.
    Cargill, Inc. was the winner in a competitive bidding process to supply Houlton with winter salt at $76.72 per ton.
    A wellness grant of $361 from the Maine Municipal Trust was accepted by the council to support healthy lifestyles and wellness education for town employees.
    An application by Linneus Sno-Sports to operate beano/Bingo games July 1-4 at the Houlton Fair was approved.
    The council also approved: an application by Majais Corporation for catering privileges on July 10 and August 7 at the Millar Civic Center; an application by Taste of China for renewal of a liquor license.
    The councilors also continued their review of land use definitions to be compiled for code enforcement.
    The next council meeting will be held in Council Chambers at 21 Water St., Monday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m.