Two CDBG proposals approved at special town meeting

By Stuart Hedstrom 
Staff Writer

    MILO — Two applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects were approved via a special town meeting vote on April 29. The first is for New Beginnings Residential Care and Assisted Living and the other for a housing rehabilitation program through Penquis.
    Piscataquis County Economic Development Council Community Development Director Dr. Ken Woodbury Jr. said the application for New Beginnings is seeking up to $60,000 for the construction of an addition and some renovations to the 90 Park Street facility. “It now accommodates five and this would bring it up to eight beds,” he said.

    Dr. Woodbury said an addition to the rear of the building would be two beds, which would be for single rooms such as in the existing residential space. He said the grant would also help provide for an office area and space for childcare, “because many of those who work there need childcare provisions for their children.”
    Per the grant stipulations, monies awarded need to be matched dollar for dollar. If the full $60,000 is awarded  then New Beginnings — which is owned and operated by Tammy Trask who leases the building and has an option to buy — would match the funding for a total $120,000 project. “Also there has to be two new full-time employees added to the staff, and they would have to be what we call LMI,” Dr. Woodbury said.
    He explained LMI is low- to moderate-income employees. He said one would be a certified residential medication aide and the other a certified nursing assistant, with cross-training going on once the positions have been filled.
    “There is a huge need for adult care,” Dr. Woodbury said, saying having to frequently travel to Bangor or Brewer to visit loved ones can be tough on families.
    “I think a lot of people feel there is a need,” Selectman Bob Ade said. Saying he was speaking for himself he said, “ I think it’s great for the community.”
    “Money for the grant actually goes to the town of Milo,” Dr. Woodbury said, as the community is applying for the grant after an affirming town meeting vote. “In the event the terms and conditions of the grant are not upheld by New Beginnings, New Beginnings has to pay back the grant,” he said, mentioning agreements were entered into in the past with Elaine’s Basket Cafe and Milo Taxi and Delivery with the businesses assuming financial responsibility.
    The second CDBG application will seek $300,000 to improve housing conditions in Milo. “Basically this grant is for folks that don’t have the resources to make basic maintenance or repairs to their homes,” said Mike Bonney of Penquis, who is working with the town on the grant application and would be administrating housing improvements in funding is awarded.
    Bonney said homeowners can apply for grant monies and their applications are then reviewed and scored to determine who has the greatest need. “We have shown the town of Milo does need these resources,” he said, saying those involved get be put in touch with other Penquis resources such as the agency’s energy audit and weatherization programs.
    “This is a great opportunity for the town of Milo,” Bonney said, saying the funding status should be learned in late June.
    During an ensuing selectmen’s meeting, Town Manager David Maynard provided an update on revisions to the Safe Streets project to help get the work under budget and possibilities for additional funding. He said a review took out some components to get the project cost from nearly $377,000 to $325,000.
    Among the revisions was approximately $11,500 between pavers and sidewalk work, and “what’s essentially is left out is the trees, tree wells, grates and bricks,” Maynard said. He said other possibilities will be looked at to provide for the trees and related components, which were taken out due to being independent of other parts of the project.
    Maynard said a revised contract should be set for the selectmen to look at and sign at their May 6 meeting. He also said the existing contract with the Maine Department of Transportation is set to expire on June 30, but an extension through September would be requested to allow for the possible additional work above the $325,000.
    The selectmen also voted to have a damaged police vehicle repaired, at an amount not to exceed $5,633 which is covered by insurance.
“As you may or may not know I had a little wreck two weeks ago,” Police Chief Damien Pickel said. He said the accident on Elm Street was caused by a mechanical error in the 2006 Ford Expedition. “It’s cosmetic, nothing structural,” Pickel said, with two doors, the front grill and light fixture all to be replaced.