Calais city manager outlines Nov. 4 election, North Street completion and bridge closure

At a recent Calais City Council meeting, City Manager Mike told the council the municipal election will be held Nov. 4 at the recreation center, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. He said the council’s annual organizational meeting to certify results and swear in elected officials is scheduled for Nov. 6.

Mike said the council’s next regular meeting will be moved to Nov. 20 because the usual second-meeting date falls near Thanksgiving. "It's that time of year," he said, summarizing the calendar changes.

The manager gave an update on the North Street reconstruction project, saying it is "all but complete" except for pavement markings that are expected to be painted the following week. He called the work one of the city’s most important infrastructure projects in recent years, thanked residents and affected business owners for their patience and said the project included new water and sewer lines that should improve service and water quality.

Mike also relayed a notice from Customs and Border officials that the Milltown Bridge/Border Crossing will be closed on Nov. 4 from about 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. for repairs on the St. Stephen side and advised the public accordingly. "I just want to inform the public that the bridge would be closed on that day," he said.

He closed his report by announcing employee service milestones, naming Dave Townsend (public works foreman/cemetery director) for 34 years, Brad Phillips (revenue collector/city clerk) for 12 years and Andrea Walton (city assessor/deputy health officer) for 10 years, and said he plans to formalize monthly recognitions and suggested the council consider certificates or small monetary awards.

The council recorded these informational items on the meeting record and directed staff to add a cemetery follow-up item to the action list for a future meeting.