By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

HARRISON — An anonymous local donor has pledged $50,000 to improve the Harrison Fire Department’s ability to extricate people trapped in vehicles involved in crashes.

A special town meeting was held to accept the gift because the donation’s value exceeded $10,000 (under that amount, selectmen could vote to accept).

Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Murphy told officials that the new extrication cutting and spreading tools will be battery powered. On Saturday, fire fighters took part in a training at Harrison Auto Salvage, using similar extrication tools. Soon, they will have new tools at their disposal.

In other business:

SAD 17 frustrations. Kathy Laplante reached her end wits with the SAD 17 School Board, and now Mark Heidmann will give it a try as Harrison’s representative.

The Selectboard accepted Laplante’s resignation “with regret,” and brought attention to a growing concern regarding the direction the school district’s governing board is headed. 

In her letter of resignation to SAD 17 Superintendent of Schools Rick Colpitts, Laplante said, “It has become very clear to me that the process under which this board operates is contrary to my beliefs of how a board should work. I have found it more and more frustrating to try and promote critical thinking and forward visioning to this boards’ membership.”

She added, “It is also evident to me that my beliefs and perceptions of what are the best decisions for the students of the Oxford Hills community are completely contrary to this boards’ thinking.”

In closing, Laplante noted, “For the above reasons, minimally and for my own sanity, I must terminate my position.”

Laplante had 2 ½ years remaining on her term. Heidmann taught English at the University of Southern Connecticut, and locally served on the library board for seven years, one as chairman and five as vice chairman.

Local officials thanked Laplante for the “great job” she did keeping the town informed and providing Harrison with a strong voice on the school board. Education costs to SAD 17 amounts for 51% of the town’s overall budget.

Selectman Rick Sykes noted that serving as a town’s school board representative is a “thankless” job, and hopes that like Laplante, Heidmann provides regular updates to the Harrison Selectboard.

Building, boom for town. While Covid-19 forced the closure of a great part of the economy, one sector that seemed to chug along is real estate. Not only has the area seen steady sales, building has kept the local code enforcement hopping. For September, 32 permits — 21 building and 11 plumbing — were written. The result has been a revenue boom for Harrison. Town Manager Tim Pellerin reported that revenue taken in last year at this period was 21.5%. This year for the same period, revenue stands at 47.81%. And it appears the building engine is showing no signs for slowing down. Local contractors report they have worked lined up through the winter. Pellerin had a call last Wednesday from an individual wondering if he knew of an available contractor.

“I didn’t,” he said.

Looking at their options. While town officials praise the work and effort turned in by new local Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputy Charles Sawyer, they will continue to study what law enforcement options Harrison might have as the next budget development process begins.

Pellerin and the Selectboard emphasized that Deputy Sawyer — who was initially in attendance at last Thursday’s meeting but had to leave for a call just as this issue was being discussed — “has done an excellent job and has been an asset to us.”

“We’re very happy with Deputy Sawyer,” Pellerin said. “The only failure is we can’t have him more.”

Harrison contracts for 40-hours of local coverage a week, leaving 128 hours without assigned patrol. 

Pickleball fever. The game of pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports that can be enjoyed by folks of all ages. A recent three-day tournament at RADR, sponsored by Harrison Rec, had a draw of 136 participants. The event went so well that Harrison is being considered as the location for a New England tourney in 2021.

By the Numbers. Some stats from the town manager’s report — fire department had 31 calls for this reporting period; as of Sept. 28, the call number for 2020 is at 273, up 41 from this date a year ago; in September, there were 3,274 visits to the Transfer Station; the Sheriff’s Office handled 272 incidents in August.

Public hearing will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at the town office to answer questions on the ordinance questions on the municipal ballot. The ordinances can be found on the town website.

Rabies clinic. Fryeburg Veterinary will hold a clinic on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the town office. Face coverings are required. Rabies shots will be $10.