Harrison, Naples in on increasing law presence on lake; Bridgton out
By Wayne E. Rivet
Staff Writer
HARRISON — One way people sought relief from Covid-19 restrictions was to get outdoors — be it going for a hike, bicycle ride or a spin out on local lakes and ponds.
Boat traffic was indeed heavy last summer, and with it, came more problems from careless operation, excessive alcohol consumption and folks using the lake as toilets.
While Covid-19 restrictions will likely ease as the public vaccinates, local officials hope to bring a little more order out on Long Lake. Harrison and Naples plan to contract with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to add 40 hours of warden coverage — that is in addition to already scheduled Warden details on the popular lake.
IFW will provide the boat and other needed supplies, while the towns will pay $20,000 to cover salary. There was some thought that the Warden could also spend a few hours here and there on busy Highland Lake and Moose Pond in Bridgton. Initially, the three towns that border Long Lake — Bridgton, Harrison and Naples — talked about seeking additional law enforcement presence, thus dividing the cost by three, $6,600 each. But, Bridgton selectmen backed away from the proposal during recent budget discussions, feeling it is the state’s responsibility to patrol the lake.
Harrison Town Manager Tim Pellerin said his town and Naples will proceed, splitting the bill at $10,000 each. Last week, Pellerin informed selectmen that Harrison is likely to receive $278,000 in Covid-relief money from the federal government, which he will use to cover the additional warden patrol, thus not impacting local taxpayers.
While managers await specific guidelines, Pellerin pointed out that the federal funds can’t simply be applied to tax relief. However, towns can use the funds to cover Covid-related expenses, such as renovations (air handling units installed at the town office), hazard pay, etc. Based on receipts on items purchased during the pandemic, Pellerin said the town can justify $222,000.
“It’s not direct tax relief, but in the end, it will help us,” Pellerin said.
Bridgton is expected to receive an estimated $541,759 under the Covid-relief package.
Another uptick created by the pandemic has been Harrison’s surge in new home construction. Pellerin said the town is experiencing major growth, and with the spike in population, officials see a growing need for more law enforcement coverage. On this year’s town warrant, taxpayers will be asked whether to fund a second contract deputy at the cost of $126,514. The addition would result in 80-plus hours of police presence, seven days a week.
“We’re seeing more incidents and police statistics show crimes are getting more serious,” Pellerin said. “What we’ve seen during Covid is a growth pattern one would expect over 10 years happen in one year. I don’t know when it will stop. As a community grows, people expect better services.”
Other items from last Thursday’s board meeting:
• Public Hearing on Draft Warrant
• Thursday, March 25, 6 p.m.
• Virtual, join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone at:https://www.gotomeet.me/TownofHarrison/select-board
You can also dial in using your phone:(Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 or at +1 (669) 224-3319; Access Code195-619-517
• Residents will hear explanations and be able to pose questions regarding 27 warrant articles.
• Articles include:
A3 interest on unpaid taxes 6%
A15, $615,174 for Administration
A16, $663,941 for Public Works
A17, $145,565 for Fire Department
A18, $321,771 for Solid Waste Disposal
A19, $134,229 for Parks
A20, $146,369 for Recreation
A21, $85,520 for Insurance
A22, $226,028 for Public Safety
A 23, $83650 for Community Services
A24, $179,076 for Code Enforcement/Assessing
A25, $700,000 for Capital Roads
A26, $500,000 for Comprehensive Capital Reserve Account
A27, $126,514 for second CCSO patrol deputy (see accompanying story for explanation)
• Recused. When the town eliminated an administrative assistant position for the Emergency Management Authority director, the money was shifted to the director’s post ($2,000 to $4,000). So, when it came time for the board to approve the move, Selectman Ray Laplante recused himself from the vote since he is the town’s EMA director.
Pellerin checked with the town’s attorney, and noted that Laplante and Selectman Rick Sykes, who both serve on the fire department, could vote on the HFD budget request since their action is on a department, not a single position, as was the case in the EMA stipend.
• Tough break. The town has had a run of bad luck with its 2011 wheeler. First, the truck’s engine has been problematic. Then, the truck sustained significant damage when it struck a rock while plowing the Crystal Lake parking area. The truck has 96,000 miles. Officials discussed various options, including repairing the truck or selling it and using those funds along with insurance money to purchase a new vehicle. Selectmen favored going new than looking into the used market, and also purchasing a wheeler rather than a smaller truck (at a reduced cost) due to the steep roadways the vehicle will need to maneuver and reduce the need to make more return trips to load sand/salt.
• Public Works building. One project Pellerin will give plenty of focus on in 2021 will be a proposed new Public Works building. The town has already done a needs study and evaluation of possible sites for the structure — the leading candidate being on RADR land off Route 117. The target date is likely 2023, since the town will be retiring a road bond with a final payment of $301,000 in February 2022.
• No chance for clear title. With the Harrison Village Cemetery Committee looking to abolish the Association with the town in line to take over the care of the property, town officials will unlikely be able to get a “clear” title because many documents date back to 1840. One question was water rights. Pellerin said a survey indicated the existence of old wells. “We don’t know if they are active. We don’t think they are,” he said.
• Report dedication. Normally, the town report is dedicated in memory of a resident. However, 2020 was unlike any other year due to Covid-19. So, officials will go a different route — this year’s town report will be dedicated to all the “essential workers” who kept Harrison running “during this historic world pandemic.” It’s a wide list — nurses, doctors, healthcare workers, truck drivers, general store staff, town office staff, etc.
“It’s a great idea,” Selectman Laplante said.
• Nomination papersnow available for: 2 selectmen seats for three years, two Planning Board seats for three years, one Appeals Board seat for five years and one SAD 17 School Board seat for three years. Papers due to the clerk’s office on Friday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m.
• Building bustles along.A total of 24 building permits have been issued, Pellerin noted in his manager’s report. Seven of those have been for new single-family homes. Total revenue generated from all building permits is $5,734.65.
Inspections slowed slightly in January and February, but have started to pick up in March. A total of 17 plumbing permits have been issued so far this year. $2,440 has been collected in permit fees with $610 of that being the State of Maine’s portion. Harrison also collected another $90 in state surcharges for septic systems that will get turned over to the state. In addition to that, $240 worth of administration fees were collected for the Town of Harrison. Total amount collected, $9,114,65.
Quick takes:
RADR complex gateis closed for mud season.
Spring Road PostingMarch 1 through May 1.
Winter parking banin effect until April 15.
Harrison Village Libraryis now open by appointment. 15-minute blocks will be available to one person or one household—up to five members—at a time. Curb service will still be available for anyone who wishes it, or for anyone unable to wear a mask. HVL will offer these services during regular hours: Monday 1-7, Wednesday 1-7, Thursday 11-5, Saturday 10-2; call or e-mail to arrange your time.
Storytimeevery Thursday at 10 a.m. via Zoom. E-mail Kathleen for an invitation to join Storytime!
Wednesday, March 31, 4:30 p.m., Flying Peeps Virtual Workshop via Zoom. Have you ever wanted to watch a fluffy marshmallow critter go flying through the air? Well, here is your chance! HVL is partnering with Oxford County 4-H for a virtual Peep Launching party, open to children in grades K-5. All materials will be provided, but you must register by March 19. Follow the link to register, and feel free to contact the library with any questions.
Saturday, April 3, 2 p.m., Book Club via Zoom. This month’s selection, Death in Venice by Thomas Mann. New members are always welcome; for an invitation to join, please e-mail Kathleen at kkramer@harrison.lib.me.us
To call the library: (207) 583-2970. To e-mail: kkramer@harrison.lib.me.us
Harrison Food Bank, Tuesdays from 12 to 6 p.m.,located at the Harrison Food Bank, Ronald G. St. John Community Center, 176 Waterford Road in Harrison, mailing address: PO Box 112, Harrison, ME 04040; telephone 207-647-3384
