Council approves library abatement bid, appoints trustee and authorizes Brownfields loan; code-of-conduct vote tabled

The Caribou City Council on Jan. 27 voted on a package of routine and policy items, approving a contractor for asbestos abatement at the Caribou Public Library, appointing a trustee to the Caribou Utilities District Board, authorizing city manager Penny Thompson to sign loan paperwork tied to the state revolving Brownfields loan fund and tabling a proposed council code of conduct pending further legal review.

The actions completed Wednesday were largely unanimous votes. Councilors also approved the December 2024 financial report and accepted minutes from prior meetings.

Why it matters: The library contract clears a step needed to begin interior renovation work under a grant to create a connectivity hub. The Brownfields loan authorization advances a plan to remove contaminated soil at the Birds Eye site using a combination of grant and low-interest loan dollars. Tabling the code-of-conduct measure postpones council decisions about meeting procedures and conflict terminology until the attorney and council members reconcile statutory requirements and Robert’s Rules…