Town OKs bus garage lease for SAD 29

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — School busses will continue to be allowed inside the town’s municipal garage for at least one more year.
    Monday night, the Houlton Town Council agreed to extend a one-year lease agreement with SAD 29 to use some of its space to park school busses inside the town garage overnight. As part of the agreement, the school district will see a 10 percent increase to its lease agreement, bringing the total figure to $8,305. The district had traditionally been paying $5,200 per year to use the space.
    The measure was not without considerable discussion by councilors.
    “We want to gain some additional financial assistance in paying for utility costs,” Houlton Town Manager Doug Hazlett said. “Ten percent of the space is rented by the school. The other thing we are going to do is work with the superintendent (Mike Hammer) to try to find the most cost effective way for creating space for them.”
    Hazlett said one option could be building an addition to the facility.
    Councilor Mike Jenkins expressed his opposition to extending a lease agreement to the school.
    “We need the garage (space) for our public works department,” he said. “I am not in favor of extending the contract beyond June 30 of this year. We have been talking about this issue for two years that I am aware of. We should be taking care of town business.”
    He noted even though the town was charging a fee to the school district for the space, there was little realized revenue since the town is responsible for 73 percent of the school’s budget.
    “How much is the town actually making by renting that space out?” he asked. “Not very much. It’s time for them to step up.”
    Councilor Sue Tortello disagreed.
    “I believe this compromise makes sense,” she said. “It gives them (SAD 29) time to come up with a good workable alternative.”
    Chairman Paul Cleary said while the school district was using 10 percent of the garage, they were actually using more than 10 percent of the electricity since two busses are typically plugged in overnight, while town equipment is not.
    The lease agreement passed 5-1 with Jenkins opposed.
    Later in the meeting, the three town councilors (Tortello, Nancy Ketch and Rob Hannigan) who attended a preliminary budget workshop Feb. 7 between SAD 29 and its member municipalities gave an update on the school budget talks and how they might impact the town’s tax rate.
    Determining the impact the SAD 29 budget has on the town of Houlton’s fiscal plan is difficult because the two groups have different budget cycles. The town operates on a calendar year, while the school department runs from July to June.
    “I thought there was a real willingness to communicate throughout the process this year,” Tortello said. “From what we understand, the school is just beginning the (budget) process. It was very informative and worthwhile meeting.”
    When the town put its budget together, it factored in a 10 percent increase from the school. However, Hazlett said based on the preliminary figures presented, more than $100,000 in additional money would need to be raised in Houlton to cover the school costs.
    “The one thing about the school budget is it has one of the biggest impacts on our (town) budget,” Cleary said. “I hope people will realize that when it comes time to vote on their budget that they have all the information and be informed on what they are voting on. We can’t absorb a $100,000 increase.”
Taxi permit denied
    A request from a Houlton man to operate one taxi within town limits was rejected by councilors. Randy Gravel filed an application with the town to start “Randy’s Taxi.” According to Hazlett, the town’s taxi ordinance requires a background check on all individuals who apply for a permit.
    “That ordinance directs the council to take into consideration the character and responsibility of the applicant,” he said. “Given this standard, the past driving record and criminal record of the applicant could be a problem.”
    Gravel told the councilors he was a changed man and was trying to find a way to create income opportunities.
    “I’ve been sober for 19 months, turned my life completely around and am trying to get off disability,” he said.
    Councilors made no comments on the application request. The request failed by a vote of 2-4, with councilors Tortello, Ketch, Hannigan and John Fitzpatrick opposed.
Bus line honored
    The council recognized Cyr Bus Line for its 100th anniversary. Rick Soules, general manager for Cyr Bus Line was in attendance for Monday night’s meeting and accepted a proclamation from the council.
    “We thought it would be a good idea for the council to recognize this (anniversary),” Hazlett said. “Cyr Bus Lines is a fourth-generation family-owned business. They provide a very vital link for Houlton both north and south. The town of Houlton gratefully acknowledges your valuable contributions to the citizens of Houlton and northern Maine.”
    He added a little known fact is one of the Cyr busses has a tribute to Houlton, with a painting of the Riverfront Park Crossing Bridge adorning the side of it.
    “On behalf of the Cyr family and its 250 employees, I want to say thank you,” Soules said. “We appreciate your recognition of our services.”
    Cyr Bus Line has been providing service to Aroostook County since 1984, taking over for the Bangor and Aroostook Company.
    In other agenda items, the council:
    • Re-appointed Donald Keiser to the Houlton Planning Board for a five-year term. The position was not advertised, nor sent to an election process since Keiser expressed interest in being reappointed, Hazlett said. He has served on the planning board since 2007.
    • Designated Hazlett to be the appointed representative for the Maine Service Centers Coalition, with Tortello serving as the alternate.
    The next regular council meeting is slated for Monday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m.