FORT KENT, Maine – Fort Kent town councilors on Feb. 10 unanimously approved floor replacement work at the town office, the recreation department and the office of planning. Officials said the flooring in these buildings has in some cases never been upgraded.
The town will use epoxy flooring, which is a resinous material with the durability to resist wear and tear over the years.
Town Manager Suzie Paradis said she received a quote from contractor Jason Paradis, who owns JNP Carpentry. After measuring the building, Paradis said it would cost $22,000 to replace floors through the lobby, municipal offices, and the women’s bathroom. She said the men’s bathroom has the only flooring in the building that has been replaced.
Paradis said she requested measurements for both the recreation department’s office and the office of planning. Replacing the floors in the rec department would cost $1,569. The office of planning work was estimated to cost $1,344.
Town councilor Jason Robichaud said this could eliminate the need for carpet cleaning, and Paradis said the town will keep the carpet in the town council chambers.
Council Chair Corey Pelletier asked if Jason Paradis’ quote was the cheapest option available to the town.
Paradis said that tile would be significantly more expensive and labor intensive than epoxy flooring.
“The only problem with this is that there is a two to four day curing time period,” Paradis said. “So he’s going to do it in steps. He’ll do the front lobby area and we’ll direct the customers to come in through the police department.”
Councilor Carrol Theriault asked if Jason Paradis was the only contractor available who could do this work. Suzie Paradis said she believed he was, but that she could seek out other contractors if the council was in favor of this. The council ultimately opted for Jason Paradis to replace the floors.
Councilors unanimously approved funding for each department based on Paradis’ quotes. The money for the town office work will come out of the administrative capital reserve account, and from the reserve accounts of the rec department and office of planning for those projects.
The council on Feb. 10 also approved $5,543 for the public works department to have new windows installed in the town garage.
