HOULTON, Maine — For the first time in weeks, the Houlton Town Council met in person at the town office to discuss issues such as updated building code enforcement and the appointing of members to the Northern Maine Development Commission.
But it was a far cry from things being back to normal. Public participation remains online through the video conferencing app Zoom. The meeting was also streamed live on WHOU’s Facebook page.
The council had originally said that a limited number of people would be allowed in the town office to participate in person. But it quickly became apparent that such an arrangement would be impossible, given the amount of space already taken up in the meeting room by seating councilors in a way that would ensure social distancing recommendations are met.
“We ran out of room,” Town Manager Marian Anderson said. “Another time we may have to explore a different location if the rules don’t change. But we run into a difficult time with being able to do Zoom and all that sort of stuff. So we’re trying to work that all out and appreciate the patience of everyone as we’re kind of new at this.”
The council voted to approve the transfer of $65,000 to the town’s local chapter of the Maine Association of Police, and $20,000 to fund the replacement of a brine pump at the John Millar Civic Center as part of their official town business for the evening.
The Houlton Town Councilors also took the opportunity during the meeting to praise a successful example of social distancing in the town — that of the Houlton High School where class seniors partook in a motorcade in lieu of a graduation ceremony.
“I just want to congratulate all the graduates. I am really proud of you, and the fact that it came off so successfully,” Councilor Eileen McLaughlin said. “It really was meaningful, and to the people’s creativity and teamwork to make that happen.”
Prior to the regular town council meeting, a special, confidential meeting was held by the Town Council with the town attorney, town manager and Wade Hanson from the Houlton Band of Maliseets for the purpose of discussing the disposition of public property. No vote was taken on this issue during the regular meeting.
