Parkman loses small claims court case over security installation
Staff Writer
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The town of Parkman lost its Jan. 3 small claim’s court case in the matter over the functionality of a security system which was installed in the municipal building in 2009. Town officials claimed the security system installed by an independent contractor resulted in several malfunctions and “never really worked properly.” The town also alleged that the contractor, Ed Hamele of Parkman, didn’t possess an electrician’s license to legally install the system.
In Dover-Foxcroft District Court, Judge Kevin Stitham ruled in favor of Hamele by indicating that the town had failed to prove its case. Town officials filed the complaint in November 2012 alleging Hamele’s work resulted in two years of false alarms and concerns over having their building’s insurance being invalidated.
Town officials claimed that since Hamele didn’t possess a state electrician’s license his installation would nullify their insurance in case of a fire. Stitham ruled in favor of Hamele based apparently on the lack of evidence provided by the complainants.
“He ruled even before he heard from me,” Hamele said. “They had no evidence, no witnesses and the judge ruled that they didn’t even have a case.”
Parkman was seeking $2,219 in damages and court costs. The town’s claim that Hamele wasn’t a licensed electrician had no relevance in the lawsuit based on judicial decision. Hamele indicated the judge made his ruling on whether the town still possessed the system and if it was functioning.
Hamele inquired to town officials in 2009 if he needed a permit to complete the security installation, but was told by a town official it wasn’t necessary because the town didn’t have an electrical inspector.
Hamele, a former ADT Securities manager in Florida, provides a lifetime labor and a manufacturer’s warranty. He provided maintenance on the Parkman town hall system after problems arose when people tried to gain entrance by pulling on the locked doors.
He fixed that problem and believed that town officials were pleased with his work. Hamele said town officials requested his services in 2009 and recommended him to others following the municipal building’s security installation.
Last fall, Parkman contracted with Seacoast Securities of Rockport to upgrade the system. According to Hamele, the town paid about $2,600 to upgrade the system to detect smoke and fire.
Parkman is still using the system he installed. He described the Seacoast Securities system as being “in addition to” the one he installed. He believes the town sought damages due to his involvement in requesting law enforcement officials to investigate the theft of Parkman Recreation Club’s funds last year.
Parkman Board Chairperson Pat Johnson declined to comment about the court case.