By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

HARRISON — If a broadband expansion deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

A few weeks ago, Harrison’s Broadband Committee was told by one provider it could the system and cover 100% of the costs. Well, as material costs rose, and the idea was presented to the company’s board, the offer came off the table.

Selectman Phil Devlin, who is a member of the Broadband Committee, pointed out that the company is still interested in working with the group about an upgrade. So, it is back to the drawing board with more conversations about “cost shares” expected with Consolidated Communications and Spectrum. 

Devlin said the committee will continue to study what the town’s financial obligation and needs will be, as well as filling out grant applications for both state and federal programs.

“The grant window opens in November,” Devlin said. 

Another step will be to reaffirm Broadband Committee members, since a year has passed since the group was appointed. 

In other town news:

Rec Director exits. After six years on the job, Kayla Laird earlier this month announced in a Facebook post that she is no longer Harrison’s Rec Director. 

“It has been an absolutely amazing six years as the Harrison Rec Director. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end in order for better things to happen!” she wrote. “I am so thankful for all of the support the last six years, the memories with all of the families, and I wish you all well! Farewell Harrison Rec, you have left a huge print on my heart!”

Reaction to the news was plentiful on social media with 42 comments posted. Many thanked Laird for her tireless, dedicated work and wished her well on the next “new adventure.”

Why was there a change? No one is saying.

When contacted by The News regarding her exit, Laird declined further comment other than what she had posted on Facebook.

Town Manager Cass Newell was asked whether Laird resigned or was fired. Her response, “No comment.”

State law prohibits town officials from discussing personnel matters publicly. Anticipating residents might attend last Thursday’s Select Board meeting to ask questions in hopes of finding out specifically why the popular Rec Director had been let go, Newell had the town’s attorney present, who was prepared to explain to the public why town officials would not comment on personnel matters.

A “Public Participation Etiquette and Rules” info sheet was included on a table with the meeting agenda on a table as the public entered the meeting room. It included “Matters related to town personnel will NOT be discussed” and “Please be respectful at all times.”

Under the public participation point of the agenda, there were no questions raised regarding the Rec Director either by those in attendance or those viewing the meeting via Zoom.

Later when Newell gave her manager’s report, she did indicate several calls by citizens were received regarding “the change here in town.”

The town has named Alyssa Morin as “interim” Rec Director.

Barking Chicken at The Block? The former Northeast Bank office in The Block will soon house The Barking Chicken Craft Bar and Gallery, a place to enjoy craft cocktails, beer, wine and coffee along with “boards” featuring meats, cheese, seasonal fruit, crackers and nuts as well as “plates” with beef and vegetable chili, garden salad along with salads and soups of the day — all local ingredients.

And, let’s not forget art work created by talented area artists.

“Don’t travel out of town for an uptown vibe. Get it right here in Harrison while you wait for that dinner reservation…your paint party…or fantastic show. Our space offers a taste of Maine in a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.”

The Barking Chicken is owned by Teresa and Andrew Pattle.

“Our primary focus is Maine ingredients, craft cocktails and brews, and local foods,” Teresa Pattle told Select Board members during the public hearing for a liquor license for the new Main Street venture.

Renovations continue, and Pattle hopes The Barking Chicken will be ready for a “soft” opening in early October and a grand opening following closely after.

The board voted 5-0 to grant the license, with Select Board chairman Rick Sykes offering a “Welcome!”

Bits & Pieces. By a 5-0 vote, the board confirmed Andrew Ward as Public Services Director. He succeeds Randy Gazza, who retired…With Ward changing jobs from Harrison’s resident deputy to Public Services Director, the town has a hole in its law enforcement coverage. Newell pointed out the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is presently “understaffed” and the county is “working hard to cover” Harrison. “It’s a work in progress. We are having active conversations,” Newell said…On the enforcement front, Sykes wondered how the town’s investment in game warden coverage on Long Lake has worked out this summer? Newell will request and “end of the season” report from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife…Some policies and ordinances have been on the town books for years, and in some cases, are now outdated. The Select Board will begin reviewing one or two starting with September meetings. Sykes asked fellow board members to submit a list to the town manager of policies/ordinances that should be reviewed…To let the public know what items will be on their next agenda, the Select Board asked that the town manager look into being able to post the agenda at the Post Office...The RADR Complex courts have been resurfaced and “looks fantastic.”