Council hears update on shelter, Homeland Security donates to HPD

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — How the Houlton Humane Society is coping with a budget shortfall and developing new strategies were in an update given by the organization’s president, Cathy Davis, to the town council during public comments Monday evening.
    Davis thanked the council for its support and reported that she was not asking for more money, but keeping the council apprised of the agency’s progress in dealing with financial difficulties and the number of animals in the no-kill shelter.
    The $40,000 shortfall, according to Davis has resulted in closing an older shelter building, cutting back staff hours, deferring staff raises and approaching new ways to raise money.
    Davis suggested virtual adoptions as one way to offset the cost of care by allowing someone to underwrite a cat’s expenses although the animal would remain in the shelter.
    She explained that her agency is discontinuing the trap, neuter and release program for feral cats which is being handled by the Ark Animal Rescue.
    It was not all bad news, though. Davis also said she is encouraged by progress. At the Home for the Holidays fund-raiser, four cats were adopted in what she said was the most successful such event. Cooperative advertising has been helpful and, she said, the cat population at the shelter has dropped from 200 to 140. The agency philosophy remains the same only euthanizing animals in the most extreme cases.
Donation to HPD
    The council accepted $28,330 from the Department of Homeland Security Operation Stonegarden for the purchase of mobile radios and special police details. Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin said the money would be used to upgrade equipment and pay for extra patrols until the end of February.
Other council votes
    The council voted on several matters: approval of the Pine Tree Waste contract for seven years, ending Dec. 31, 2016; appointment of Town Manager Doug Hazlett as Houlton’s representative to the Southern Aroostook Solid Waste Disposal District; appointment of Councilor Sue Tortello as Houlton’s representative to the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce; approval of a victualer’s license for Emily’s Qwik Stop; approval of a liquor license for Pizza Hut; approval of the blanket letter of approval for the Houlton Lodge of Elks #835 to operate games of chance through Dec. 31, 2014.    
    Before adjourning, Fred Grant thanked the community for support of the Rotary Auction which, he said, raised about $2,000 over last year’s total.
    Councilor Brian Donnelly reminded viewers watching the council meeting on television that the Houlton Elks Lodge would again hold its senior citizen dinner on Sunday, Dec. 20 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. He said the organization plans to serve from 650-700 residents as in past years at the Lodge, 86 Main St. Members will deliver meals if requested, according to Donnelly. For information, call 532-2791.
    The next council meeting will be Monday, Dec. 28 at 6:30 p.m.