Parks and Recreation department revamped

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The town council confirmed an adjustment in the focus of the Parks and Recreation Department by appointing Marie Carmichael as department head over park and recreation programs at the Gentle Memorial Building while freeing up Bernie Reece to concentrate exclusively on the Civic Center and maintenance of the park.
    Their confirmations were among the 11 appointments unanimously approved by the town council Monday evening. Referring to the Civic Center as one of Houlton’s biggest assets and revenue generators, Doug Hazlett said “there is so much to do that you really need focused attention on two very distinct areas.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo / Elna Seabrooks
DEPARTMENT HEADS — Houlton Town Council Chairman Walter Goodrich, center, congratulates Bernie Reece and Marie Carmichael on their appointments at the council meeting Monday evening. Reece will focus his efforts on the Civic Center while Carmichael, in her new position as a department head, will devote her energies to programs at the Rec Center. “I’m excited and I look forward to continuing to provide programs and facilities to the Houlton community.” said Carmichael.
    The change met with shared approval from the councilors. John Fitzpatrick was the first to express his opinion with “congratulations Marie” as the others quickly agreed.
    Among the other appointments were: Wade Hanson as community development director; Kevin Tingley as code enforcement officer; Hazlett as airport director and emergency management director; Milton Cone as fire chief as well as ambulance director and cemetery superintendent; Leigh Stilwell as public works director; Butch Asselin as police chief; and Kilburn Swallow as a planning board member.
Other business
    The council authorized a transfer of $3,491 from the administrative Tax Increment Finance (TIF) reserve account “to offset assessing expenses incurred in the TIF district.” It also authorized another transfer of $3,491 from the Public Safety Tax Increment Finance reserve account toward the purchase of a new police cruiser. Both transfers are authorized by the state, according to Hazlett, who said this is the first year the town is able to use the reserve fund.
    In response to Councilor Nancy Ketch’s inquiry about the amount, Hazlett added that the dollar amount is driven by the state formula which is a percentage of the TIF revenues that can be allocated. “We pick the percentage. They pick what it can be used for. The percentage is basically 5 percent of the district’s captured value,” explained Hazlett.
    In the town manager’s report, Hazlett said that over the next few months several ordinances will be updated and workshops will be planned to better reflect community needs. The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m., 21 Water St. At that time, the public will be able to voice opinions on the budget.