HOULTON, Maine — The town is now looking to replace three department heads, following Monday’s surprise resignation of Lori Weston as economic and community development director.
In July, Leigh Stillwell retired as public works director after 25 years of service and Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin was named as the new town manager, creating a need for a new police chief.
Weston said it was a difficult decision to leave public service to work in the private sector. She spent five years as the director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce before becoming the town’s economic development director in November, 2011.
She is leaving the town post to take a position with Bangor Savings Bank. Weston’s final day with the town is Friday. An open house will be held throughout the day Friday for those who want to wish her well in her new venture.
“It was a very difficult decision for me,” Weston said. “It will be a transition for me.”
An emotional Weston addressed the council, reading a prepared statement, during the public comments portion of the meeting.
“As you are aware, one of your final agenda items is to accept my resignation,” Weston said. “Before I leave, I need to thank the folks of our community who are so positive and filled with ideas about how to move our community forward. While there are those who think that progress is slow or perhaps non-existent, there isn’t anything further from the truth.”
She gave a number of examples of new business developments in the downtown and encouraged members of the council to continue their support of not just the downtown, but retailers throughout the community.
“I will remain an active ambassador for the community I love,” she said. “I hope in a small way that I have made a difference in a positive way. I can’t say enough about the staff at the town office and for that matter those who work for our community in any capacity. They are just the best.”
When it came time to act upon Weston’s resignation, a long pause followed, as none of those on the board seemed willing to make the motion.
“Personally, I have enjoyed working with Lori,” Asselin said. “She has always been a bright light in a dark room. I appreciate all she has done for this community. These are big shoes to fill. This is a good move for her and Bangor Savings is very lucky to have her.”
“This is a very emotional vote for me,” added councilor Sue Tortello. “Lori has done such a tremendous job for the town. Your love and devotion to the community is unsurpassed. And yet you have been offered a terrific opportunity and I am so very happy for you. You will be terribly missed.”
Councilor Wade Hanson, who preceded Weston as the town’s economic director, had nothing but praise for his successor.
“You surpassed everybody’s expectations,” Hanson said. “You will be sorely missed.”
Several members of the public spoke on Weston’s resignation at the meeting.
“Lori has that incredible ability to not only do a job, but to expand beyond the boundaries of her job to impact our community,” said resident Fred Grant. “The amount of support she has provided to this community is so significant. She has really taken a role and expanded it to build a community. At the same time she has improved the ability of businesses to generate revenue in this town. And she has done it all with a smile.”
Phil Bernaiche echoed those sentiments saying he was “very sorry” to hear of her decision to leave and added “the only one to lose is the town.”
Residents Steve Hutchinson and Julie Dickison also praised Weston for her service to the town.
The council accepted her resignation by a 4-0 vote.
Also during public comments, Hutchinson stated in his opinion it was a conflict of interest to have a husband and wife working as town manager and tax collector, respectively. He also stated that any member of the town council that is in arrears of their property taxes should step down from the board.
Bernaiche used the public comment period to criticize RSU 29 and encouraged people to vote ‘No’ on the school budget.
Dickison also commented on the town manager position, stating she felt the council should require their town manager to reside in Houlton.
In his town manager’s report, Asselin informed the council that an issue with the Gateway Crossing Bridge was discovered while replacing pigeon spikes on the top of the structure. Asselin said a gap problem has continued to widen on the structure and suggested HEB Engineers of Conway, N.H. be contacted to assess the bridge.
Asselin said the gap was first discovered in 2007 by HEB, but nothing was done to correct the problem. He added there was no danger to the public in continuing to use the footbridge, but recommended having the engineers examine the structure to provide suggested fixes.
In other agenda items, the council:
• Agreed to amend the town’s personnel rules to allow employees of the police department to work 32 hours a week and still be considered full-time employees with full benefits. According to Asselin, the change allows the department to reduce the number of hours for one of its clerks, thus saving the town money.
• Awarded a bid of $73.45 per ton to Cargill, Inc for the town’s supply of winter salt. Last year’s price was $66.29 per ton.
• Granted liquor licenses to The Horn and The Vault restaurants.
The next council meeting is slated for Monday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.
