HOULTON, Maine — A costly, but much-needed chimney replacement will soon be in the works for the town’s recreation center.
Members of the Houlton Town Council unanimously approved a bid of $49,475 Monday evening to replace the chimney at the Gentle Memorial Building.
Although the project’s lone bid — from Maine Highlands Contracting of Beaver Cove — was a bit higher than anticipated, the work was deemed essential if the town plans to continue using the building.
Councilor Eileen McLaughlin asked if the chimney could simply be repointed in order to get by during a tight budget cycle, and also wondered if it should be put out to bid a second time next spring.
“Since the work is not likely to be done until the spring anyway, would it make more sense to put the bid out again to see if we would get a more reasonable amount,” she asked. “And is it possible to just do the repointing of the brick? It seems awfully costly.”
That plan would not work, according to a report from Town Manager Marian Anderson, who indicated the chimney has several cracks and bricks protruding, creating a hazard. In addition, the concrete cap is failing.
Houlton Parks and Recreation Director Marie Carmichael added that there had been no chimney work done in the 40 years she has been with the town.
“Many of the bricks are starting to come out,” Carmichael said. “It is time.”
Anderson said that Maine Highlands Contracting is the same company that recently did chimney work on the White Building, which houses the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce and the Aroostook Historical and Art Museum.
The chimney will be rebuilt to its current height and design.
Work on the chimney is not expected to take place until warmer weather, which means the project will likely be factored into the 2023 municipal budget.
