HOULTON, Maine — During a brisk meeting on Monday evening, town councilors reappointed all municipal department heads to their respective posts and took in a grant that will enable the town to save money by reducing electric costs.
As is customary in each new year, the town put all of its department heads up for reappointment. During Monday night’s meeting, there was little discussion about the positions after Town Manager Doug Hazlett said that he was happy with the job performance of everyone on his staff.
Councilors quickly recommissioned Wade Hanson as community development director and Kevin Tingley as code enforcement officer.
Milton Cone was reappointed to his post as fire chief, ambulance director and cemetery superintendent.
Bernard Reece also retained his post as civic center and parks director and Marie Carmichael was reappointed as recreation program director for the town.
Leigh Stilwell retained his post as public works director with Butch Asselin reappointed as police chief.
Cathy O’Leary was recommissioned as the town clerk and Hazlett will continue to serve as airport director and emergency management director.
In other business, the town secured more funding to make energy efficiency improvements including upgraded lighting and energy retrofits at local buildings.
The town accepted a $41,055 grant from the Efficiency Maine Trust to make the upgrades, according to Hazlett.
Over the past three years, the town has focused on saving money in the long term by buttoning up its buildings and making them easier to heat and power. The town has had energy audits conducted at its facilities, purchased new furnaces for three public buildings and replaced doors and windows at other buildings to save taxpayer dollars.
Work has been done at the Millar Civic Center in order to save money on bills incurred during the winter season when it houses an indoor ice skating rink that must be preserved with refrigeration and cooling equipment.
The next council meeting is Jan. 24.