Plan to Help Calais with all its finacial worries::

Step 1: Hire only Calais residents to work in City positions. Jobs created for Calais (Appx 8)

Step 2: Approach Baileyville about creating our own school district based in Calais. Surely we have enough space in our school systems combined to do this. Savings to Calais (unknown, but could be substaintial)

Step 3: Get rid of the recreation department as we know it and contract out with the YMCA. Perhaps cut a deal with the YMCA to transfer some city property to them I.E. the pool and rec building. Possibly go in with Bailyville as a two community Rec Dept. (Initial savings by cutting dead weight at the top of rec department 60 to 70 thousand per year, Jobs created would be dependant on services offered by the YMCA)

Step 4: Gradually buy up the Baring Street and Boardman Street areas of Milltown and create a new business district for Calais. If a business wanted to come to Calais now and build a facility there is virtually no place big enough to accomadate them without shelling out a bunch of upfront money to buy up property. There are already a few back tax aquired properties in that area and a few houses for sale. With the new bridge set to open in this area this year it makes logical sense to create a commercial district. Its also an investment that could see major benifits for the city four or five years down the road. (no initial job creation or money spent. possibly create a panel to monitor property in this area for potential deals)

Step 5: Calais has a seasonal business in snowmobilers coming into downtown VIA the waterfront walkway. Start negotiations with the game refuge to allow ATV access through their land. This will be an uphill battle as we would be dealing with the federal goverment, but being landlocked by the refuge is a major drawback for any devolopment along rt1. With the railbed being transformed into a multiuse trail corridor between Ayers junction in Charlotte and Ellsworth I think this needs to be explored. Maybe using the old railbed that runs through the refuge and then continuing the trail just off Rt1 within the public right of way into Calais. Start marketing the area once this is done as an ATV/Snowmobile destination. We already have the festival in summer and the small winter festival in Feruary we could market along with this. Jobs=?? Money=(hopefully 0)

Step 6: Bring back Community clean-up day. Maybe make May the Spring clean-up Month. Use public works crews one day a week to pick up yard refuse i.e. branches , leaves and lawn clippings. Not everyone can make it to the dump (FYI I do every Saturday) . This will help with community appearance. possibly use the leaves and rakings to make a community compost pile at the transfer station which could be used for community projects.

Step 7: LNG is not the ultimate answer to everything but it sure as hell helps. Give it all the support we can.

Step 8: Reconsider the "Scenic View Tax". This is a bad idea. There is a reason it hasn't been used for all these years. The definitions of "scenic view" are as varied as individuals are.

Step 9: Do a complete internal audit of all city departments. They all do a great job and should be commended for it but things need to be looked at once in awhile. Look at gas use and energy use. Especially in the School department. Busses are seen all over town running with only one or two kids on them. Is the heat in all classrooms controlled by programmable thermostats? What about lighting fixtures. Are they energy efficiant?

Step 10: Slowly we have been selling off peices of Calais. The school buses and bus services were sold off years ago. Our water and sewer departments were sold a few years ago. Were any stipulations put in place that they hire local workers for any jobs that become available?

These are just a few ideas that might or might not have some meat to them.

Calais 1,I like the way you think,some very intelligent well thought out good ideas,maybe you should run for mayor.

It is time for Baileyville and Calais to do things differently. It is time to forget the childish rivalry between the towns and work together for the mutual benefit of both communities. Why continue to duplicate services which can be shared or combined for the benefit of all.

As a former member of the Baileyville Ambulance Service, I believe that it is time to mothball the ambulance service. Baileyville's heyday is over and our great provider of abundant tax dollars is running away. The ambulance service has struggled for years to attract qualified individuals to serve as trained emergency medical service providers. The Calais ambulance already comes to Baileyville when the Baileyville ambulance doesn't have staff to respond to calls. This is a tough decision to make, but the time has come.

Baileyville should look at the recreation program it provides. It's a good program, but can the town continue to fund it? Another tough decision consider.

For years Calais has refused to buy water from Baileyville. Baileyville has awesome water and a great supply of it. Calais has spent millions of dollars in search of water ignoring the continued offers from Baileyville to explore the option of purchasing it from them. This is just another example of how absurb community leaders can be because of childish rival competition. The current Calais water supply is awful. But, the elected officials didn't have to look to Baileyville for it. Purchasing water from Baileyville would greatly benefit both communities. Explor it!!!!!!!

So folks, it is time to work together. It is time to look at everything from different angles Calais, Baileyville and other communities can no longer continue to operate they have in the past. The funds are shrinking. Together, we may be able to do more and do it better. Just think of all the opportunities!!

Richard37, I'm not a business owner or have the "traditional last names" to run for any office. I'm a lifelong residence of Calais and have seen the same thing go on around here all my life. The Heritage Center was a flop from inception, but no one wanted to be unpopular and not support it. Eventually Calais will get stuck with that building. The economic climate in Calais is " we want development but only if it dosen't interfere with something I sell or a service I provide." Whats wrong with a little competition? The time has come to pay the piper and the decisions we make now, however unpopular they may be, are going to be what the future of this area depends on. I love this area and would never leave but we need jobs not promises. We also need to learn to live within our means. If that means combining services with Baileyville so be it. Mayor? I don't think so. Council? Possibly in a few years. Planning committees. Sure why not.

calais1, you sound like a great candidate for council. you should explore it.

i do have a couple questions though. hopefully calais does get the building museum. i agree it was a bad idea however federal tax dollars paid for it not local. yes those are our tax dollars but it is better if this is turned over to the city for some economic use then the dumb idea originally.

you stated..."The time has come to pay the piper and the decisions we make now, however unpopular they may be, are going to be what the future of this area depends on." .......this is what the council is doing with the ambulance service. they aren't staying status quo. they are adjusted to reduce the tax burden of the citizens of which i am one.

you also stated...."The economic climate in Calais is " we want development but only if it dosen't interfere with something I sell or a service I provide."....i'm not sure where you are getting this. do you have any examples? if so I'd be interested in hearing them

Another economic dev't idea= legalize drugs and tax them. Downeast would reap millions....

ralphmcdevitts, I dont think the City council exploring the Ambulance service issue is a bad thing. I think it should be just the beginning. Diane Barnes is doing a terrific job and is to be commended for thinking outside the box. I and others have said all along that eventually the Heritage center building would be the new City Building. This is ok if we acquire it for nothing or next to nothing. I just hope if the day ever comes, all the costs associated wth that building are considered , including another mortage the city can't afford before anyone jumps in full tilt. Half of Main Street was tore down to build a parking lot to accomadate this building. The old buildings that were tore down are no longer generating tax revenue for the city. We should be thinking downsizing the space we use for city goverment in the interest of reducing costs. Hell half of main street in now empty. A building the size of the old Payless store would suit our needs. I'm sure you can think of certain businesses on Main street whom have ties to the council. Everytime someone has shown intrest in Main street it seems someone is always crying about this business selling this is going to hurt me because I sell the same or similar items. WallMart on South St is very vocal about not allowing any businesses to open in the South St Center that would be in direct competition with something they sell. The original plans for the "Mall" called for two more stores and a restaurant and a small bank in the parking lot. WallMart always has the threat of pulling out of this area. Now all the competition has been eroded i.e Ames and Riches this is quite a threat. Mardens has been a great addition to the City business climate but lost alot of respect when they announced a year or so ago they were not supporting the racino that was proposed for Calais. But the Canadians still shop there in droves and that is good for every other business in town. After all the Mardens are entitled to their opinion, no matter how unpopular it was. I am not a business owner nor do I have any desire to own one. I worry about my job everyday, just like the majority of people around here you live day to day and keep your chin up. City council has been comprised of busines owners or representatives for a very long time. How do you run for council when you disagree with the make-up of it. Even if a common citizen did get elected, (assuming they ran on that basis) there would be so many hard feelings from the fellow councilors that they would be black-balled. Time for change(no I'm not a big fan of Obama but the change argument is pretty strong here) but change comes hard in a small community like ours.

calais1, i agree with 99% of what you have said. and again i think you'd be a strong candidate if you ran. just knock on the doors and you could do it. the only thing i would disagree with you is about the council make up. i think most of the entire council and management in the city government in general pretty much agree philosophically with everyting you are saying so I don't think you'd be an outcast at all. you got my support, just make sure you put calais1 on your campaign signs!!

Calais1 i agree. You would be a site for sore eyes and would have my vote. The mayor in calais is joke along with the new appointed Michael Milbourne. He only got that posistion because he let people like JM and DJ get away with crimes for years!!! He and his department only like to pick on the young crowd to bully around when it is the business owners that are selling drugs to our kids. Then again, he allowed his officers for years to enjoy a little action in the back seat of a cruiser. My relative told me first hand she got away with someone when she gave one of the long gavity officers a little action. And yes shame on her.

Change...it will never happen. It will always be small town politics. Look at Tim Call getting arrest for his second DWI and the advertiser didn't have the guts to do an article on it (other then the police release). Unlike the guy in Robbinston he got plenty of attention. At least he is man enough to admit his mistake. Dotti Johnson had a chance to prove herself, but she did not and what a disgrace she is and I am sad to say that i know her and have had conversations with her about certain issues. Shame shame shame. The only people that are good on the Council in Calais is Mrs. Maker, Chris Bernidini. The rest should go because they all really do know that they dont have any commonsense or good judegment to run a department or a city. Oh yeah...Mrs Barnes has done a OK job. At least she forced out Milbourne before he ruined the department.

Maybe we can get rid of the name Baileyville, and change it to little Calais.

inmainend1, the last time I looked ALL the members of the council were elected to their seats. if you so furious with their actions there is a simple resolve; run for office. we live in a democracy, if there are only a couple good ones as you say you really need to take issue with the citizens of calais who elected them to these positins. personally, it sounds like you have a bone to pick with most for reasons obviously unknown.

inmainend1, I agree it sounds like you do have issues other than what I have mentioned. I think the poice department has done a great job. Even under JD and Mr Milburn.

I like Gallants idea,but maybe change it to "Calais jr,"or "redneck Calais "or "We're screwed lets suck off Calais's tax money",I know that last ones a bit long but I really think it states the case well.

Hey Richard,

I see Gallant can't learn his Lesson, He and that SCARED TO DEATH OF LOSING HIS JOB, soon to be Wefare Twit Phelps, will never be able to best you, or me, we are both twice the Men they will ever be!!!!!

Hey Richard37sLover maybe you should take lesson from Gallant he know how to SPELL>

oh, big dog I like your name, but no such luck for you Richard37 is a Real Man!

Today's discussions on Calais have been really intersting. You learn more sometimes from the comments then the article.

The council has been working on trying to keep the mil rate down for several years. They have worked hard to contain costs and keep budgets in check. Your concern about the make-up of the council is not based on who runs, but who votes.

The complaint that business owners are trying to keep business out of Calais is not true. Many Main ST businesses would love to see Main ST full of shops, as this brings in more customers. We have some great stores downtown that just need local support (and most are hanging by a string right now).

Sharing services with close communities is a great way to get more bang for your buck. Baileyville is not that far away, and doing joint police/fire/ambulance coverage is possible.

As far as the Main ST buildings being torn down for the Heritage Center, this is not true. The building was identified many years prior on a planning report to be razed for parking. As it was, the back of the building was ready to tumble into Union ST, and the cost to make the appropriate repairs to retain the building would have cost more then the buildings worth.

I encourage anyone who has the time and energy to run for public office, to go for it. It's a thankless job, but if you are there for the right reasons, it is very rewarding. Making your town or city a better place to live is what we all need to strive for. I have seen the downtown area change over the last decade, and for the better. The new park and bandstand, the changes in Memorial Park, the waterfront... Every little bit helps.

Today's discussions on Calais have been really intersting. You learn more sometimes from the comments then the article.

The council has been working on trying to keep the mil rate down for several years. They have worked hard to contain costs and keep budgets in check. Your concern about the make-up of the council is not based on who runs, but who votes.

The complaint that business owners are trying to keep business out of Calais is not true. Many Main ST businesses would love to see Main ST full of shops, as this brings in more customers. We have some great stores downtown that just need local support (and most are hanging by a string right now).

Sharing services with close communities is a great way to get more bang for your buck. Baileyville is not that far away, and doing joint police/fire/ambulance coverage is possible.

As far as the Main ST buildings being torn down for the Heritage Center, this is not true. The building was identified many years prior on a planning report to be razed for parking. As it was, the back of the building was ready to tumble into Union ST, and the cost to make the appropriate repairs to retain the building would have cost more then the buildings worth.

I encourage anyone who has the time and energy to run for public office, to go for it. It's a thankless job, but if you are there for the right reasons, it is very rewarding. Making your town or city a better place to live is what we all need to strive for. I have seen the downtown area change over the last decade, and for the better. The new park and bandstand, the changes in Memorial Park, the waterfront... Every little bit helps.

richard should be the last person complaning about taxes, he lives off of tax dollars.. and i know who he is!!!!!

stcroixvalley, I agree the council has done an OK job at keeping the Mil rate in check. I see you agree with me on the combining services argument. I am glad I am not alone in that thinking. As far as the buildings on Main Street, they may have been slated for demolition eventually but their demise was surley hastened by the Heritage Center being built. Now we have a nice park on Main Street and an insurance liability in those massive stairs leading to a now closed Heritage Center. I see your argument for this but it could have been handled a little differently. We should have learned our lesson years ago when the old Post office was demolished. I still remember the wrecking ball bouncing off that old "rundown" building. What they thought should have been a week job turned into a month job.

As far as the businesses on Main street go. That was a genralization on my part to avoid mentioning any particular business. It dose happen, I am speaking from experiance.

You are correct in saying "the make-up of the council is not based on who runs, but who votes", maybe better words would have been current council make-up. You are also correct in stating that holding a public office is a thankless job. I hold great respect for anyone willing to do this and, yes , this includes the current council.

I am intrested in your thoughts on the other issues I brought up.

Calais1: I was on the fence on the old Fashion Bug building... that was until I spoke with one of the workers who was tearing out the ceilings in the basement section. Seems that the back wall had separated, and was literally pulling away from the building. Floor trusses in that section were free floating, and only held up due to the columns. Just a matter of time before the whole back wall would have pealed off and collapsed into Union ST. And even if the owners had known about this prior (maybe they did...), it would have cost hundreds of thousands to fix up... more then the building was worth.

Now on the Heritage Center... sadly underfunded by the feds from the start, not supported by the state, and under utilized by the locals and tourist. Sometime check out "Lost Attractions in Florida" on the interent. It is interesting to see all the attractions that have been attempted there over the last 40 years. Millions and millions spent, and eventually lost. But I hope we don't move city hall down, as this building, as it costs about $30K annually for utilities alone. About the only thng that can afford this building would be a casino... I am serious! No retail nor resturant could ever afford the cost per sq.ft.

The planning board recommended Baring ST be zoned commercial, but without a plan nor development proposal, it leaves to much to chance. We can't willy/nilly let business locate in and around existing houses. It has to be an all or none approach to the entire section. I don't want to see houses converted to video stores, hair salons, etc... A major truck stop offering to locate on one side or the other would be interesting, but it's on the wrong side of the traffic circle. So time will tell what happens along that strip.

And I am all for community clean up day. Like do a Green Up day, with volunteers working with city crews to go up and down city streets and roads, picking up garbage, and also hauling away "stuff"...

And while you were on the subject of privatization of public services, why not contract out some road and plow services? Construction companies are not working in the winter, so adding on three or four private trucks to our fleet to do road plowing could save us money. I know we have the UNION issue, but we could contract out sections of town, say down river... etc...