By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

HARRISON — In 2022, Harrison could move closer to a serious make-over.

Two major projects being proposed include redevelopment of the Public Works Department on Edes Falls Road and revitalization of the Friendly Village’s downtown.

Both topics were discussed at last Thursday’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting.

Up first, a proposed $3.4 million construction and upgrade at the existing Public Works site. During a virtual/in-person public hearing, Town Manager Tim Pellerin gave an overview of the project, which includes adequate space to house town trucks with plow equipment attached, as well as a “wash bay” that will enable workers to clean vehicles indoors. Presently, vehicles entering the existing garage must remove plow equipment to fit inside.

The new structure includes office and break-room spaces, two bathrooms and much needed storage.

Pellerin pointed out that by being able to keep equipment indoors, the town will experience overall savings by extending the usable life of equipment. One example, Pellerin noted, was $400,000 dump trucks presently having a life span of 15 years, whereas by keeping vehicles indoors, the life expectancy is likely to jump up to 18 to 20 years.

If residents wish to see what the current Public Works garage looks like, they can log onto the town website, and click on “virtual 3-D” tour. The program takes a viewer inside the building, and one can get close up looks at everything from the present work bench station to lunch space to a downtrodden sink.

So, what would it cost? The loan would be for $3.4 million, over 15 years, at 2.99%. The annual payment would be $284,639.47. Total interest, $869,592.04. Total paid, $4,269,592.04.

Pellerin noted that Harrison will be retiring an existing bond that paid for road improvements this coming February. The annual payment is $301,000. Thus, if voters approve the project, there will be no impact on the current tax rate.

“What is the alternative?” Pellerin said. Making no improvements puts “staff safety in jeopardy,” the manager said. “There is no alternative.”

With no questions or concerns mentioned, officials will now move ahead to schedule a special town meeting with a secret ballot vote in March. One reason to hold the special town meeting vote, Pellerin indicated, is that if the project is rejected, officials can look into why voters failed to support the proposal, possibly address either questions/concerns, and bring the matter back up at the annual town meeting in June.

Revitalizing the downtown

With major funds heading to Maine as part of President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Harrison wants to be near the front of the line to secure money to revitalize its downtown.

Former State Representative Lisa Villa, who served on the county committee that reviewed proposals for Community Block Grant money, told the Harrison Select Board that municipalities with “plans” were moved to the front of the line.

Harrison took a first step by hiring Wright-Pierce, an engineering firm from Topsham, to assist the town in developing a downtown beautification plan. Pellerin, who worked with the firm in creating a downtown revitalization action plan in 2019 while Rangeley town manager, told the Select Board that the price range for detailed report and plan is $25 to $35,000. Pellerin proposed taking $10,000 from the Capital Account to get started, and then budget the balance in upcoming fiscal year(s). The Select Board agreed.

Part of the process will be holding public input sessions to find out “what is the overall vision” residents have for Harrison. 

“Harrison has several existing assets that could be enhanced as part of the development of a Downtown Beautification Plan.” Some potential goals could include improvements to Crystal Lake Park including a sidewalk extension to the public boat launch; period street and park lighting throughout the town parks and downtown; repairs and improvements to downtown area sidewalks (ADA compliant); wayfinding signage to important town assets; and traffic calming techniques (bump outs, narrow streets, etc.), to name a few.

“If we don’t have a plan or working concept, we’ll be left behind,” Pellerin added. “This plan will be professionally done.”

Other meeting notes

Greater accountability. Dr. Monica Henson believes in accountability, which is why she made the trip to Harrison last Thursday to meet with the local Select Board, something her SAD 17 superintendent predecessors had failed to do during their tenures.

Dr. Henson was hired SAD 17 superintendent in May after serving in SAU #44 (Northwood, Nottingham and Strafford) in New Hampshire.

Dr. Henson’s career in education began as a high school English teacher in 1985 in Georgia. Her professional career also includes serving as the Deputy Superintendent of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Regional Director of Education Services in Georgia and Florida, Principal of the Macon County School District, North Carolina, and Dean of Curriculum and Instruction at Woodstock Academy in Connecticut.  She holds a master’s degree in Education from Seton Hall University and an EdD from Nova Southeastern University.

Also attending the Harrison meeting was SAD 17 Chief Financial Officer Carrie Colley.

“If we come to taxpayers asking for money, we need to demonstrate what we are asking for,” Dr. Henson said. “We need to show future value and see tangible results…We need to live within our means, live within a budget and look for solutions that are more flexible (not just throw money at problems).”

She cited infrastructure improvements as a “serious problem” facing SAD 17. Harrison CEO John Wentworth asked whether SAD 17 will land state aid to build a new middle school before he “goes to a home.” Dr. Henson hopes so, and plans to touch base with legislative leaders to seek out ways to help move the project up the state construction list.

Dr. Henson plans to continue to keep the line of communication with municipal leaders as the school district builds its next budget.

Country Music Festival coming in 2022. A couple of years ago, Old Home Days folded and left Harrison with no summer attraction. With a “gem” of an outdoor facility at their fingertips, local officials (spearheaded by Assistant CEO Jim Fahey) think they have a “win-win” replacement — a Country Music Festival on Aug. 13, 2022 at RADR, rain or shine.

Select Board members supported the idea. 

Fahey noted that the promoter will “assume all risks,” with the town receiving 10% of ticket sales, parking and vendor fees.

“It will showcase a great facility and what the town has to offer,” Fahey said. “And, there is no cost to the town.”

Pellerin added, “It’s a great opportunity for the town, a win-win situation.”

A Nashville, Tenn. Promoter made a visit, and was “thrilled with the venue.”

If all goes well, future festivals could be two-day events.

Rec agreement. Selectmen approved a one-year agreement to provide Rec Director services to the Town of Waterford. Kayla Laird is Harrison’s Rec Director.

Where to take brush? With Dyer Excavation closing its brush dump to the public Jan. 1, the town will look into other options, including whether space is available at the transfer station or if there are other companies in the area that will accept brush.