By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
The Caribou City Council met Monday evening for a regular meeting in the council chambers. Councilors first considered a review of design and cost estimates pertaining to new Welcome to Caribou signs.
Michael Shrewsberry, community development director, addressed the panel, informing them one particular sign being contemplated had been designed by Sign Works Inc., of Farmington, who also had created the sign located in the western part of the city, near the local theatre.
Made with composite material, carved and gilded, the words Welcome to Caribou, Maine, est. 1859, American’s Most Northeastern City, are located in the center with a house-shape frame. Shrewsberry stated that the estimated cost of the 4- by 6-foot sign is $2,700 plus $250 shipping charges. He also stated that the roof-shape acts as a sunscreen and LED solar lights could be installed in order to keep the sign lighted at night; the cost of the light was not available.
The project of new signs has been under way for the past two years and councilors agreed that it was time to act, although whether or not this was the design or company was in question.
“You have had this designed by a company from out of the area,” said Councilor Goughan, “could another local company build it? I would like to see this option explored.”
“I’m not sure — that may create infringements on the copyright and I’m not sure if there is a local company that would have the materials to do this exact fabrication,” Shrewsberry answered.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to ask this Farmington company to give up their design but if we want it done by local companies, put the whole project out to local businesses,” said Councilor David Martin.
Caribou City Manager Steve Buck commented that once the design was purchased then the city would make sure that it owned the logo so it could be used on official letterheads or other printed materials. As the conversation continued, Councilors John Boone and Miles Williams stated they felt the sign, as presented, was too small and a 3- by 8-foot design should be considered.
“Are we going with this company when maybe there is someone who pays taxes in this town who could come up with an equal or better design,” Goughan asked.
Mayor Ken Murchison stated, “ We can approach local companies to bid on this project.”
Councilor Bell commented, “We can’t ask the original company to give up this design but if there are other local companies that can do the project then they should have the option to submit their designs.”
Discussion of the future of the city’s welcome signs was tabled until further information and costs could be obtained by Shrewsberry.
The city councilors also, with regret, accepted the resignation of David Corriveau from the Tri-Community Landfill board of directors and also from the zoning board of appeals.
In other business the council considered and/or authorized the following:
• Approved a request for utilization of a portion of York Street for temporary ATV access pending trail repairs to storm-damaged sections.
• Authorized the city manager to sign a contract for offsite obstruction removal acquisition easements for the Caribou Airport.
• Approved amendments to Public Works pertaining to multiple damaging storms. The recent summer storms created major problems including an increase in overtime, delayed or shelved projects including the North Main Street sidewalk project which has been eliminated from the schedule entirely. The inclement weather has accelerated the wear and tear on roadways and the department is at least four weeks behind schedule. The impact caused by extended overtime (resulting from storm cleanups) and the higher amount of diesel fuel used will cause an estimated $20,000 impact (reduction) in the CIP reserve, in turn creating a $15,000 change for next year’s budget.
• Authorized the acceptance for a bid for winter sand from K&M Sand and Gravel, of Grand Falls, N.B. The accepted bid was at $10 per unit at a total of $35,000.
• Council members voted to authorize the financial statements for the period ending July 31 with councilor Goughan voting against the motion.
• Authorized the disposition of donated land on Tax Map 35 Lot 103, 753 Main Street.
• Authorized municipal quitclaim deeds for taxes paid in full for properties located on Map 18, lot 31-50 and Map 16, Lot 28.
• Approved permit for restaurant class liquor license and special amusement permit to John Wong, dba Jade Palace.
• Approved game of chance licenses for a bingo game of chance for the Lister/Knowlton VFW Post 9389 and a Texas Hold’em game of chance for the American Legion Post 15.
The next meeting of the Caribou City Council will be on Monday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
