Hampden council backs civility pledge, pump station bid, loader purchase

The Hampden Town Council approved a town civility pledge, an abatement for a property owner over a clerical acreage error, a $2.79 million bid for the Soudabscook pump station replacement, and a wheel loader purchase. The town manager also outlined a four-week transfer station closure starting October 13 for compactor work and reported candidate filings for district elections.

Key points

• Council voted 7-0 to adopt a town civility pledge by resolution, which officials said will be displayed in public areas around town.
• Council voted 7-0 to authorize a $319.82 abatement for Bradley and Jody Dickey of 69 Hopkins Road, reimbursing two years of overcharged taxes after acreage was overstated and corrected during a revaluation.
• Council voted 7-0 to award the Soudabscook pump station replacement bid to T-Buck Construction for up to $2,793,820, funded partly by a $2 million federal grant plus a town match.
• Council voted 7-0 to buy a John Deere 544 P wheel loader from United Construction and Forestry for up to $128,600.
• Town Manager Paula Scott said the transfer station will close October 13 for about four weeks for compactor replacement, with limited hours and household trash only, no demolition debris, metal, or electronics.
• Scott reported four candidates filed for District 4 and at least one candidate for every other district seat, and that a League of Women Voters candidate night is planned for mid-October.

Next steps

• Councilors have until September 14 to confirm attendance at the county commissioners' Spirit of America ceremony on September 16 at 10:30 a.m.
• The town will advertise the transfer station closure schedule on its website, social media, and text alerts; the station is expected to reopen November 12.
• The League of Women Voters will set a date for a town council candidate night, targeted for mid-October.
• Council entered executive session under 1 MRSA section 405(6)(f) with the town manager, public works director, public safety director, and deputy fire chief.

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