By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

The mayors of Biddeford and Saco will work together to create an ad hoc committee to develop a strategy for the communities to deal with the future of Maine Energy Recovery Co.

Biddeford Mayor Joanne Twomey announced three weeks ago she was walking away from a task force appointed by Gov. John Baldacci to develop an exit strategy for the trash incinerator from downtown Biddeford. Twomey said it became clear closing the facility was not an option and she remains concerned about the company’s plan to burn pellets made from trash.

The Biddeford City Council voted 8-1 on Feb. 16 to ask Twomey to work with Saco Mayor Ron Michaud to create an ad hoc committee “with the objective to recommend a common policy and strategy for the two municipalities to deal with the future of Maine Energy.”

Councilor Clement Fleurent cast the sole vote against the order. Councilors initiallywere asked to vote on a motion brought forth by Councilor Patricia Boston ordering the city to maintain representation on any group or task force in place to deal with Maine Energy.

Councilor Jim Emerson proposed an amendment to create the ad hoc committee, removing the language proposed by Boston.

The Saco City Council voted 6-1 at a Feb. 22 meeting to have Mayor Ron Michaud work with Twomey to create the ad hoc committee. Councilor Arthur Tardif voted in opposition. Michaud said he and Twomey will meet soon to outline a framework for the committee before updating both councils.

The Saco council also asked City Administrator Rick Michaud to notify the Department of Energy the city will withdraw a $2 million grant application submitted while the task force was still in place. Ron Michaud said the grant would have provided money to help Casella – Maine Energy’s Vermont-based parent company – make changes to the Biddeford facility to accommodate pellets created at a proposed new facility in Westbrook.

At the Biddeford council meeting, Boston told councilors she proposed maintaining representation on all Maine Energy-related committees so the city would know what was going on with the facility.

“I think the best way for us to keep our options open is to be talking with the people who are making plans for that facility. When and if we are offered an opportunity to discuss things with them, we need to be there to know what’s being discussed,” she said. “We need to be there to protect the interests of the city of Biddeford and its citizens. It’s irresponsible not to be there.”

Councilor George “Pete” Lamontagne said he feels it’s important to have someone listening to discussion about the future of the company.

“I don’t want to go forward in any form or fashion without our ears over there. It’s not about participating,” he said. “Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. It’s all about that.”

Councilor Rick Laverriere said he did not like that task force meetings were private and supported creating a “well-rounded” committee with Saco.

Biddeford residents also weighed in on Twomey’s decision to leave the task force and the council’s plan to create an ad hoc committee. Matt Hight said the city should develop its own strategies, not take part in a process intended to promote a private corporation.

“I don’t think we should say whatever they do, they do. We should take our own direction,” he said.

Resident Wayne Mcbreairty said the city should not support a plan that leaves Maine Energy downtown.

“We’ve lived with the broken promises, we’ve lived with the stink, we’ve lived with everything for 30 years. Why now should we jump on board and try to put ourselves in the same position for another 20 or 30 years?” he said. “The downtown will be the same as it has been if we allow that plant to keep going.”

Resident Richard Rhames said he supports Twomey’s decision to disband the task force because continuing put the city in the “wrong direction.”

“The mayor walked away finally, and in my view belatedly, from that process because she found it was not in the public interest,” he said.

Twomey praised the council’s vote to create an ad hoc committee, calling it a “very good decision.”

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.