Revamped Houlton council gets to work

HOULTON – Just 12 hours after Election Day 2005 came to an end, a revamped Town Council met for an organizational meeting at the town office Wednesday.

Gerald Adams, Dale Flewelling and Walter Goodrich all won seats on the panel as a result of Tuesday’s elections. Adams, who was re-elected to the position, just completed a one-year term as council chairman.

During the meeting, Councilors Paul Romanelli and Paul Cleary vied for the position of chairman. Both men have served in the capacity before.

Romanelli came out the victor, besting Cleary by a 4-3 vote.

Cleary was again nominated for the position of council secretary, but was defeated by Councilor Carl Lord by a 4-3 vote.

In other business, Cathy O’ Leary retained her positions as town clerk, election warden, deputy treasurer, and general assistance administrator.

Councilor Phil Bernaiche mentioned the possibility of hiring a part-time person to serve as general assistance administrator, a job that O’Leary receives an additional $5,500 a year to perform.

No one else supported the idea, and panelists unanimously appointed O’Leary to the position.

Councilors also confirmed the appointments of Nedra Hanson and Gail Cleary as deputy election wardens. Cleary was also confirmed as deputy clerk, while Hanson was further appointed as treasurer and deputy tax collector.

In addition, Carlene Bartlett was confirmed as tax collector and Laureen Bither kept her position as tax assessor.

Panelists also appointed Constance Hagan as a member of the cemetery fund trustees and gave the nod to Cartlon Wallace to serve as the town tree warden.

After a brief discussion, panelists also re-appointed the law firm of Severson, Hand and Nelson as town attorney. The firm has held the distinction for more than 30 years.

Bernaiche said during the meeting that he felt that it was “time for a change.”

Town Manager Douglas Hazlett told the group that he has been “very satisfied” with the firm’s service.

“I have not had even a hint of bad service or bad advice from the firm,” he said Wednesday.

Councilors voted 5-1 to keep them on board.