By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

HARRISON — The town garage could be the target of a serious facelift.

Built several decades ago, the Harrison Public Works Department garage is seriously limited with just two bays. Vehicles are parked outdoors year-round.

“It needs to be updated,” Town Manager Tim Pellerin told selectmen last Thursday night.

But, what does Harrison need now and into the future? Mainland Development of Livermore Falls will help answer those questions. Selectmen selected the firm to conduct a feasibility study of using the current Public Works site as a location for a new building, and look at current and future needs.

Mainland submitted a bid of $19,500. The town also received a bid from Dubois & King of Bangor for $25,800.

While Pellerin noted that there is no set timetable in regards of addressing a town garage project, he said the study will serve as a “foundation” when discussions do begin.

The study will be prepared over a 10- to 12-week period, then turned over to the town for its review.

In other meeting notes:

Water quality, just fine. When several perch were found dead along the shoreline and on top of the water at Crystal Lake, people wondered if there was a water quality issue?

The answer: no.

There was no public health risk. Water was tested for contaminants at both Long Lake and Crystal Lake, and both waterbodies scored perfectly. Lakes Environmental Association and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife monitored the situation.

It is believed that a parasite, that attacks white perch only, was responsible for the die-off.

A similar perch incident occurred at Woods Pond in Bridgton last year, as 20-plus fish were found floating. Because of several beach closures last year due to e coli contamination, Bridgton conducted weekly testing. There were no closures this year. The most recent test (July 31) showed the following levels (limit is 235): Highland Lake 17, Woods Pond 5, Plummers Landing (Long Lake) 7, Salmon Point 13 and Salmon Point Campground 7.

Clearing the air. A meeting between Town Manager Tim Pellerin and Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce proved productive in terms of looking at coverage here (a new local deputy has been assigned), as well as discussing the need for better communication between CCSO and the town. Sheriff Joyce plans to meet with selectmen on Sept. 12.

Selectmen asked that, as part of the CCSO contract, they would like a status report from the sheriff twice a year. The town will also outline their “expectations” in writing. Those expectations include traffic patrol, creating a “presence,” being visible in the school system, and community involvement.

Pellerin thanked Bridgton Police and Chief Rick Stillman for helping with backup and coverage after the sudden loss of local deputy, Dan Hastings.

“We appreciate them (BPD) helping out,” Pellerin said.

Despite clearing the air with CCSO, Pellerin will continue to research police coverage options that might be available to Harrison and present those findings to selectmen.

Not for residents only. While digging into old files, Pellerin found a notice from the “Feds” that indicated the town could not restrict the use of Crystal Lake Beach solely to residents. The reason: the town accepted federal funds in development of the park back in 1968, and thus had to allow all use of the property, including the beach. So, signs prohibiting use of the beach by nonresidents has been removed.

Road work. Ditching has begun on Cape Monday Road, and the road crew will be working this road for the rest of August. Please drive with caution!

Traffic alert. In late August or early September, the Maine Department of Transportation will be replacing culverts along Route 35 between Waterford and Harrison. Motorists will experience temporary road closures. Traffic will be detoured during those times.

If you are trying to get to Harrison from Waterford, the detour will begin at the intersection of Route 35 and Route 37 at Bear Pond and will take drivers to Route 117 near North Bridgton.

If you are in Harrison trying to get to Waterford, you’ll be detoured to North Bridgton via Route 117 and can follow Route 37 back to Route 35.

If you live along the Road Closure route, you will be able to get home either directly or via detour.

Tech changes. New electronic technology will be installed at the town office. First, a new messaging sign will be for town business and will advertise nonprofit group special events. However, the sign will not run “repetitive” notices. Messages will be reviewed and under the oversight of the town manager.

Secondly, when folks call the town office, they will be greeted by an automated answering system, offering a menu of contact choices.

Mattress fees. The cost to dispose of a mattress has changed. Selectmen approved a new fee schedule for mattress disposal after a change in costs by the handler, Riverside.

Riverside began charging Reynolds (the hauler) a set fee above and beyond the tipping fee. So, Harrison is now being charged both a tipping fee on bulky waste, as well as an individual fee for mattresses.

In the past, Harrison residents were charged 9 cents per pound to dispose of mattresses. The approved fee change is as follows:

• Box spring (25 pounds), $12

• Twin mattress (30 pounds), $15

• Full mattress (50 pounds), $17

• Queen mattress (90 pounds), $19

• King mattress (120 pounds), $21.

The town is averaging 10 to 15 mattresses of various sizes in need of disposal each week.

New hire. Denise Dumont has been hired as the town’s new executive assistant. There were four applicants.

Quick takes. Tax bills went out last week; there were 43 fire department calls in July; the Transfer Station had a very busy stretch, 3,500 visits over the last 30 days resulting in nine loads of municipal waste (230,700 pounds), four loads of recyclables (41,920 pounds), seven loads of demolition debris and three loads of metal.