CALL TO ORDER
Councilor Spencer led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilor's present: Hopkins, Lymburner, Nesbitt, Pomerleau, Simpson and Spencer. Councilor Christy was excused.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (S)
The minutes from the September 9th and 23rd meetings were accepted as presented by unanimous consent.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None this meeting.
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Gordon Billington explained that the auto registration by mail program has been discontinued due to lack of people using the service. Since discontinuing the program there have been many calls from people wanting to know there their reminder was. He went on to explain that Election Day is coming up and its a good opportunity for civic groups to have a table set up and sell things to the public or get information about their group out to the public.
Mr. Billington explained that the rate of growth and noted that a growth cap had been established earlier this year. He said that the rate of growth has dropped off. He said that there has only been two house starts issued this month and two last month. He explained that so far only four growth permits have been issued. That is probably happening because there are few subdivision lots available at this time.
Mr. Billington said that repaving has been completed on the Blake Road, Thomas Road, and Liza Lane. The River Road reconstruction should be totally done today. That was a large effort done on that road. The water main is in on the Boundary Road which is going to the development that Mr. Busque is proposing to develop there. Nine thousand feet of water main is in, there will be a temporary patch on that road over the winter prior to the total reconstruction of Boundary Road next year.
Mr. Billington said that we had started a fairly aggressive recycling educational plan that include signs, flyer's and adding silver bullets around the Town household solid waste but its not getting quite the results that we are looking for in the recycling. In August we had a large spike in household solid waste. He asked that everyone rethink recycling and help the Town in the solid waste area.
Mr. Billington said that we did get a new rescue unit that had been approved by the voters and it is in service. That means there are two rescue units in service. The unit that is being retired will be turned into a squad vehicle to be used out of Station 3. That is a vehicle that is used to take equipment to scene. It also serves as a place for firefighters to get out of the weather.
Mr. Billington said that the revaluation is on going and should be completed sometime next year. The data collectors are out there and have completed the shorefront on Sebago Lake and are in the Watchic Lake area now. Once the data collection is complete it will be turned over to an analyst to review it and come up with a true value.
Mr. Billington introduced Chief Craig Butkus who would present the department report.
Chief Butkus explained that he would provide an update on the Department, but first wanted to touch on carbon monoxide detectors. He explained that that carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that sometimes comes about when there is improper burning of some fuels. He said that he wanted to make the public aware that the Department strongly recommends that people have these detectors their homes. More information will be available at the open house on October 18 regarding this topic.
He said that he wanted to touch on a few things regarding the Department. He explained that a fire prevention committee has been started. The committee worked during fire prevention week with the daycares and schools to help educate the children and staff regarding fire prevention. He said that the schools were great in assisting the Fire Department with fire drills. He said that the educational process would continue throughout the year. He said that another thing that the Department does is fire safety demonstrations for the community, this includes reviewing safety situations. Chief Butkus showed a thank-you card that the Department received from the children at Steep Falls Elementary School after a recent visit. He said that training is ongoing to combine the Fire and EMS Departments. Cross-training and
hazardous materials and bio-terrorism training is ongoing so that they are prepared. Chief Butkus explained that the administration of the Department has a lot of state and federal reporting requirements. He went on to explain the standard operating guidelines are being re-vamped to reflect the combination of the two Departments.
Councilor Pomerleau asked how many people are in the combined Departments?
Chief Butkus said approximately 70.
Councilor Lymburner said that Standish Hardware had donated some numbers to be used for addressing purposes at the Public Safety Fair and she wondered where those could be picked up?
Chief Butkus said that he wasn't sure but would look into it.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
138-03 Amendments to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Land Use, 181-27, Cluster Development and 181-71, Site Plan Review, Elements [Spencer]
Moved by Lymburner Seconded by Hopkins and Voted to waive the reading of the ordinance. (Unanimous)
After a Public Hearing without public or Council discussion the Hearing was closed.
A copy of the amendment is on file at the Town Clerk's Office.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
139-03 Amendments to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Land Use, 181-3, Terms Defined [Spencer]
Councilor Spencer explained that this came about to clear up the language in the Cluster Subdivision Ordinance. It was supposed to read that the land was to be retained and owned by the association of that subdivision.
After a Public Hearing without additional public or Council discussion the Hearing was closed.
A copy of the amendment is on file at the Town Clerk's Office.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
140-03Amendments to Standish Town Code, Chapter 252, Streets and Sidewalks 252-5, Disclaimer of Liability; Insurance [Spencer]
Moved by Lymburner Seconded by Pomerleau and Voted to waive the reading of the ordinance. (Unanimous)
Councilor Spencer explained that this change is needed do to changes at the State.
After a Public Hearing without additional public or Council discussion the Hearing was closed.
A copy of the amendment is on file at the Town Clerk's Office.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
171-03 Approve Application Submitted by Bon Appetit Management Company for Malt, Spirituous and Vinous Restaurant License at St. Joseph's College [Simpson]
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Lymburner and Voted to waive the reading of the ordinance. (Unanimous)
Chair Simpson said that this was a standard application for the renewal. He then asked the Clerk if everything was in order.
The Clerk said that it was.
Councilor Hopkins asked if there were any changes in the application from last year?
The Clerk explained that it was a renewal of last years license.
After a Public Hearing without additional public or Council discussion the Hearing was closed.
A copy of the application is on file at the Town Clerk's Office.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
** Public Hearing for Standish Charter Amendments to be presented to the Voters in November
The Clerk explained that this hearing was a required hearing prior to the election. She explained that this effects two Planning Board seats and would reduce the term length to three years which better conforms to other boards term length.
After a Public Hearing without additional public or Council discussion the Hearing was closed.
** Public Hearing for Proposed Discontinuance of a Portion of Middle Road Extension Beginning at Kendra Lane and Ending at Boundary Road
Chair Simpson explained that there is an order later on the agenda about this item.
John Marcinczyk explained that he was here tonight on behalf of Joseph Ceklarz a Middle Road Extension property owner. Mr. Marcinczyk explained that English is not Mr. Ceklarz's first language and he needed assistance in the understanding of this issue. Mr. Marcinczyk said that when Joe closed on his property he was asked at his closing to tear down a picket fence so that road could be paved. He purchased the property three years ago under the impression that the road would be paved. He said that he recently found out that his road would no longer be plowed. The driveway comes out on this road. Mr. Marcinczyk said that if this happens Mr. Ceklarz will have to move and sell the property. The fact the he would not be paid damages in the situation where the property value will be effected seems cruel. Mr.
Marcinczyk said he didn't know why this proposal came up. He said if the Town wants to close this road down they should purchase his property because he will have to move for safety reasons.
Chair Simpson asked who told him to take the fence down and that the road would be paved?
Mr. Marcinczyk said that it was a condition of the closing. He went on to say that he was not prepared for this tonight because he though that this was just an informational hearing.
Chair Simpson said that at this time it is informational, however, later on the agenda there is an order regarding this issue that will be voted on.
Mr. Marcinczyk said that he would have to look at the closing paperwork. But he thought that it was the Town.
Chair Simpson said that he had been on the Council for three years and they have never discussed paving the road.
Roger Mosley the Public Works Director said that he has no knowledge of paving of this road being discussed in the Capital Plan.
Councilor Pomerleau as a three-year member of the Capital Improvements Committee and current Chair, the Committee has not discussed the paving of that road. He went on to say that it may have come out of the real estate sale of the house. He said that the Committee met tonight and they will be tabling this item tonight.
Chair Simpson said that the Town would not have had anything to do with putting conditions on the sale of the house for the closing.
Mr. Marcinczyk asked for advice on how to proceed.
Chair Simpson said that a petition had been submitted by residents on the road. He went on to explain that the Town has looked into this because of the dangerous intersection. He said that that the present time we are reconstructing all of Boundary Road including this intersection. He said that the Town felt that this was the proper time to give thoughts to closing that road for safety purposes.
Councilor Lymburner said that she had spoken with Mr. Ceklarz and is sympatric to his concerns regarding in closing that road. She said that she looked at the road and was at the Capital Improvements Committee meeting this evening and thought that there was the possibility that there may be another way to remedy the safety issues. She said that he could bring his input to the Committee. It was announced that the next CIP meeting would be November 4.
After a Public Hearing without additional public or Council discussion the Hearing was closed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilor Pomerleau explained that Capital Improvements met and discussed a number of items that are on the agenda tonight. He said that they are taking a serious look at the intersection of Routes 113 & 25 because they feel that the intersection was built to have a traffic light but now the State has told us that we will not get a light. He said that we are trying to schedule a meeting with MDOT to discuss this. They also discussed the squad truck that had been donated to the town and the problem that it has been. It needs work and the town is sending it back to the person that donated it to the Town. The retired rescue unit will be put into service as a squad truck. He said that Milt Brown Road has been paved it is now a very good travel road. The salt/sand storage shed is being worked on; cement work
for that project will be voted on later tonight. We have been doing the work in house and saving a lot of money.
Councilor Nesbitt explained that that the Public Safety Committee had not met since the Health and Safety Fair. He said that the Fair had excellent participation from the community; there were approximately 300 participants. He said that one of the areas that needs additional help is the child safety seat program. He said that there were 28 seats inspected and only one passed inspection. He said that we need more trained inspectors within the Town of Standish. He said that any interested people are encouraged to contact the Town for training. He explained that there is discussion for a Route 113 Corridor Committee which would be similar to the Route 114 Committee. That will be coming up shortly; they plan to meet with the Economic Development Committee to see if there are mutual interests. He said that
later on the agenda there is an order to pursue some of the issues in Sebago Lake Village, RTAC Committee and Appointments Committee. He said that there are approximately 38 applicants for the Comprehensive Planning Committee at this point.
Councilor Hopkins said that this Thursday the 16th is normally date to meet with the Portland Water District for the Steering Committee. That has been postponed for a month and this Thursday there will be a meeting to review the draft for the so-called "Pine Cove Beach" plan. The PWD Steering Committee has been rescheduled for November 20th.
Councilor Spencer said that the Ordinance Committee is meeting various items some that you will see on the agenda tonight. On the 21st there will be a joint meeting with the Planning Board to discuss their issues. The Ordinance Committee will also be reviewing the Code for possible amendments.
Councilor Pomerleau said that the Community Center Study Group met last Tuesday and discussed meeting with agencies and organizations that meet on a regular basis in Standish to see if we build a Community Center will it be used. A flyer was discussed but the idea has been tabled for a few months.
Councilor Simpson said that Roger Mosley and he had met with the two supervisory Principals in Standish last week to discuss recycling educational ideas. He said that he had never met two people so excited about a program as they are. A representative from the State Planning Office met with them and have Recycle Week calendar Program planned. The schools intend to make this an ongoing program.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The Clerk Read the next two orders by title only and they were voted on by one roll call.
172-03 Waive No Parking Restriction on Saco Road for Annual Craft Fair Held by the Trustees of the Old Red Church [Hopkins]
173-03 Utility Location Permit - Central Maine Power Company - School Street [Simpson]
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 nays
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
114-03 Amendments to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Section 181-7 Signs, 181-35.2.2 Home Occupation Level 2, 181-35.2.3 Home Occupation Level 3 and Section 181.35.4 Tradesman (First Reading) [Lymburner]
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Nesbitt and Voted to waive the reading of the ordinance. (Unanimous)
Councilor Lymburner explained that this will allow tradesman to have the same size sign as people that have a home occupation.
Seconded and Voted to move Public Hearing at the November regular meeting of the Council. (Unanimous)
NEW BUSINESS
174-03 Order Discontinuance of Middle Road Extension [Pomerleau]
Councilor Pomerleau said that this had been proposed since the road is used as a shortcut and poses a safety hazard. He said that after hearing tonight what has been said and what had been discussed in the Capital Improvements Committee meeting this needs to be tabled to investigate other options.
Moved by Lymburner Seconded by Hopkins to table this item. (Unanimous)
175-03 Resolution to Remain a Non-Member of the Portland Water District [Hopkins]
Councilor Hopkins explained that the current committee started from scratch on this issue because there had never been a formal Town action on this. She said that we asked every question even though we thought we knew the answer. She said that they wanted the Councils opinion on this as matter of record. She said that the many questions were posed to the Water District and at this time it is thought that membership in the Water District would not be a benefit to the Town of Standish. Councilor Hopkins said that Mr. Billington had done a great job in summarizing the committee's comments. She said that they thought that there would be a lack of a voice to represent Standish because Standish would have to share representation with one or more municipalities. The request to have a Standish voting member with
reduced voting rights was not acceptable to the Trustees. The Committee concluded that membership in the Water District could hinder or minimize the Town's ability to seek remedies in by regulatory or legislative bodies from adverse decisions of the Board of Trustees. Loss of future taxes and benefits of economic development were also discussed. For these reasons the Committee is recommending not joining the Water District at this time.
Councilor Nesbitt and that he wanted to reiterate a few words-"binding" and "at this time" - this doesn't close the door for the future.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
176-03 Change Date of Regular Council Meeting in November 2003 [Simpson]
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
B>177-03 Authorizing Issue of $217,686 Principal Amount of General Obligation Moved by Spencer Seconded by Lymburner and Voted to waive the reading of the order. (Unanimous)
Chair Simpson explaining that the town's people approved the floating of a bond to finance the purchase of an emergency vehicle, 4-wheel drive backhoe/loader and a highway truck. This is the bond that is to be issued. We went out to bid on this and received three proposals, Gorham Savings bank at 3.88%, Norway Savings Bank at 5 % and Peoples Bank at 3.89%. The recommendation of the Committee is that we go with Peoples. The reason for that is the even though the interest rate is a little higher but the way the payment is structured we save money in interest in the long run. He went on to say that we have done business with Peoples for a long time and they have been good to us. Councilor Pomerleau said that he agreed with this and that Gorham Savings Bank made the bidding closer with two hometown banks
competing.
Councilor Nesbitt said that the order does not specifically designate Peoples Bank.
Chair Simpson said that the order was prepared by the Town's legal counsel.
Councilor Hopkins said that the way she read it was that it authorizing the Town Treasurer on behalf of the Town to borrow the money.
Councilor Lymburner asked if that was our past practice or did we spell out whom we are going to for a bond.
Chair Simpson said that Cindy is right in her reading it allows the Treasurer to do the bond. He said that the Finance Committee did recommend that Peoples was the bank of choice by the Town Council.
Town Manager, Gordon Billington said that the same bond counsel had drafted the order for years.
Councilor Hopkins said that if you look at the attachment it notes that the Finance Director thought that the Council would be selecting Peoples as their choice.
Moved by Nesbitt Seconded by Lymburner to amend to allow the legal counsel add language to the bond proposal to accept Peoples bid as the bond counsel.
Councilor Hopkins said that she was confused by the orders wording.
Chair Simpson said that the bond paperwork that needed to be signed tonight was very clear that it was for Peoples.
VOTE on amendment: (Unanimous)
Councilor Hopkins asked that in the Manager's notes next week there be follow-up to this.
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
178-03 Authorize Finance Director to Issue Quitclaim Deed for Tax Acquired Property - Currier, Charles Jr. & Currier, Jeannine [Lymburner]
Councilor Lymburner said that it appears when the Curriers came in to pay the taxes, because of the amount that was given to them by staff that the amount that they had to pay to pay-off all their taxes did not include the year that had not yet been assessed. There was a misunderstanding there. They felt with the amount of money that they had paid that they would be receiving a quit claim deed. She said that they were very surprised when they were unable to receive one. She said that the Committee had discussed developing a contract with people in this type of circumstance but MMA discouraged the contract idea because it would then get into some of the credit laws of the State. She said that the agreement letter will be re-written to make it perfectly clear to folks as to what they are agreement to. In
addition, the staff will make changes in who will collect the taxes in this type of circumstance. She went on to explain that the Curriers has said that if they had know that they would not be issued a quit claim deed they would not have made as large a payment. She said that steps have been taken so this will not happen again and this should not set a precedence.
Louis Stack said that he would suggest that the Council not approve this order. He said there is a great amount of confusion about the amount of taxes that are due and if they were getting a equity loan the taxes could have been paid at the closing.
Councilor Spencer said that on very payment plan the language is in there and it says that all current taxes shall be paid. So, the taxes for 2004 even though that had not come out yet they could be calculated. He said that when the order was read it included the word "not" in the last paragraph, however, it is missing on the order.
Moved by Hopkins Seconded by Nesbitt to amend the order by adding the word "not' as shown below: (Unanimous)
FURTHER ORDERED that this action is only taken due to the unique circumstances of this case and does not establish precedence for future cases.
Chair Simpson said that this came before the Finance Committee several months ago and a plan was established. He explained that we had some problems with this property. Last year the Chair, Town Manager and Code Enforcement Officer looked at all town owned properties. The inspection of this property showed that there are two building on the land but only the home was paid by the mortgage company. He went on to say that it was confusing due to the April first assessment date. He said that the staff didn't do any wrong because the 2004 assessment wasn't on the computer yet.
Councilor Hopkins said that she would support this and it was discussed at both the Finance Committee and the workshop. She said that it was a unique situation. She said through nobodies fault this happened.
Councilor Pomerleau said that we shouldn't be discussing people's finances or loans.
Chair Simpson said that was part of the Currier's testimony.
Councilor Nesbitt said that he would support this order.
VOTE: 4 Yeas - 2 Nays, Simpson and Spencer
179-03 Receive Ad-Hoc Arsenic Committee's Final Report and Disband Committee [Nesbitt]
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Pomerleau and Voted to waive the reading of the ordinance. (Motion Failed)
Councilor Nesbitt said that the Committee had been an excellent job and the report is on file at the Town Hall.
Councilor Lymburner wanted to thank the Committee for their work.
Councilor Pomerleau thanked the Committee for their work.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
180-03 An Order to Submit Project Priorities to SMEDD [Nesbitt]
Councilor Nesbitt said that this will allow the Town of Standish to be on the list of places for potential funding. He said that this is an area the Standish has the potential growth in especially with the Routes 113 & 114 Corridor Committees.
Dave Thomas said that he liked the sound of this order and wondered if the Town needed residents to support the idea.
Councilor Nesbitt said that there would not be a formal presentation at this time.
Councilor Lymburner said that this will get us on the list and that is important.
Councilor Hopkins said that she had a number of questions. She asked what would Standish's role be, cost, timeframe and what would be the commitment?
Councilor Nesbitt said that there is no commitment or expenditure of money until a project is selected.
Councilor Hopkins said that what she though she had heard was the by the Council supporting this all we're saying that we are interested in these projects. She wanted to make certain that before any support of a project it must go through the Council for support at the time.
Chair Simpson said that they were interested in projects but didn't have much money for grants. He thought that this should go to a workshop, because this could be a very time demanding project.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
181-03 Request that the Maine Department of Transportation Perform a Traffic Analysis on Routes 114 and 35 in Sebago Lake Village [Lymburner]
Councilor Lymburner said that this has come about due to the Public Hearing that we had on the sidewalks in Sebago Lake Village on Route 114. At the hearing speed and signage was a concern of the area. This order gives the Manager the authority to write to MDOT.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
182-03 Town Council Appointments - Recreation, Recycling and Public Safety Committee [Nesbitt]
Moved by Nesbitt Seconded by Lymburner to add the name of Ellen Boyer to the Recreation Committee seat. (Unanimous)
Councilor Nesbitt said that the three people had been intervened and they all are very capable.
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
183-03 Recommend Appointment to Regional Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC) [Nesbitt]
Councilor Nesbitt explained that we were asked if we wanted to nominate someone to this regional committee.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
184-03 Award Bid for Website and E-Mail Services and Authorize use of Town Council Contingency [Hopkins]
Gordon Billington said that the current web site was developed many years ago and it was very good at that time. He went on to say that it is very difficult to maintain and update. He said that agendas and minutes are up dated but other current events and the calendar are difficult to maintain. Money is in the budget to upgrade the site, a proposal was present at the workshop, and we did get other proposal that range from $6,400 all the way to $20,000.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
185-03 Award Repair Work for Fire Department Truck - Engine One [Pomerleau]
Moved by Pomerleau Seconded by Lymburner to amend by adding the name Dingee Machine Company in the amount of $24,650. (Unanimous)
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
186-03 Award Bid for Purchase of Winter Sand [Pomerleau]
Moved by Pomerleau Seconded by Lymburner to amend by adding the name Maietta Construction in the amount of $ 6.50 per yard. (Unanimous)
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
187-03 Award Bid for Culvert Replacements on Cape Road [Pomerleau]
Moved by Pomerleau Seconded by Lymburner to amend by adding the name Leavitt Earthworks Construction in the amount of $ 16,282. (Unanimous)
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
188-03 Award Bid for Concrete Work at Salt Storage Building [Pomerleau]
Moved by Pomerleau Seconded by Lymburner to amend by adding the name CW Harmon in the amount of $ 12,184. (Unanimous)
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
189-03 Waive Bid Process for Purchase of Highway Grader [Pomerleau]
Moved by Pomerleau Seconded by Lymburner to amend by adding the name B & K Construction of Wyalusing PA amount of $ 39,500. (Unanimous)
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
190-03 Amendment to Town of Standish Fee Schedule [Simpson]
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
191-03 Emergency Amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance - Fee Schedule - Maximum Assistance Amount for Recipients [Simpson]
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
192-03 Amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance - Fee Schedule - Maximum Assistance Amount for Recipients (Introduction) [Simpson]
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Lymburner to waive the reading or the ordinance. (Unanimous)
Chair Simpson explained that this is done each year to comply with the new State standards.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
193-03 Emergency Amendments to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Land Use, 181.73, Conditions for Approval [Spencer]
Councilor Spencer said that this is self-explanatory and it says that no plan shall be approved if an applicant is in default of a previously approved plan.
Councilor Nesbitt asked if some the error was made by someone other than the applicant would there be a way to correct the plan?
Councilor Spencer said that they wanted to get control of on going projects before additional plans are accepted.
VOTE: 6 Yeas - 0 Nays
194-03 Amendments to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Land Use, 181.73, Conditions for Approval (Introduction) [Spencer]
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Nesbitt to waive the reading of the ordnance. (Unanimous)
Moved Seconded and Voted to First Reading at the November meeting of the Council. (Unanimous)
195-03 Amendments to Standish Town Code, Chapter 1, General Provisions and Chapter 263, Vehicles and Traffic (Introduction) [Spencer]
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Lymburner to waive the reading of the ordnance. (Unanimous)
Moved Seconded and Voted to First Reading at the November meeting of the Council. (Unanimous)
196-03 Authorization to Take $10,000 from Community Center Reserve Account for Phase One of the of the Proposal Prepared by Ten Gables Communications and Waive Bid Process [Simpson]
Moved by Spencer to waive the reading of the order. (Failed due to lack of second)
Chair Simpson said that we have visited the South Portland and Cape Elizabeth community centers and looked at other ideas. He said that a few years ago when the old town hall was going out to bid the Standish Business Association along with Ron Bognore submitted a well-written proposal to turn that building into a community center. A decision of the Council at that time determined that building would not meet the needs of the Town. Ron Bognore has volunteered his services until now and has agreed to develop a feasibility study. Chair Simpson said that what has been discovered is there a lot of groups that might use a community center. He said that at the same time we don't want to step on the toes of any group that may be charging a fee for rental of their facility. He said that what we thought was to go
out with a survey; but Ron put together a proposal that will assist the Committee. Chair Simpson said that he didn't want to go out and build something that he wasn't sure would be used or not. He said that in the proposal Phase One would include secondary research, existing tax-funded programs and possible locations. Then followed by Phase Two which would demonstrate the use and commitment of the citizens. He said that it was their thoughts that before we did polling we would interview the various groups, Ron has agrees to do that for a fee.
William Orr asked if there are any plans for the building and has there been a referendum on it?
Chair Simpson said that an ad-hoc committee was formed to come in with a recommendation; then at that time it will have to go to vote.
Dave Thomas said that there was something about this that bothers him that we were so quick to pay $10,000 for a study. He said that we just went through a process with an ad-hoc committee and he didn't remember a big dollar amount for the beach and several groups were involved. He suggested that other groups should be contacted for assistance. He then said that the Comprehensive Planning Committee perhaps could take this on as part of their duties. He said that something about this is bothersome.
Chair Simpson said that the Recreation Committee and Kiwanis Club are well represented. There are two teenagers on the Committee. The school is one of the places where we intend to go to get information from them as far as adult education. He said that we are will into the thought process of what has go to go into this.
Dave Thomas asked if there was any way that they could make some kind of a presentation on the where the Committee is in the process? Similar to what the Beach Committee did?
Chair Simpson said that he didn't think that they were far enough into it yet to make a presentation. We will when the time comes.
Councilor Hopkins said that she had some questions that she would like clarified. She said that in the order it said that in their mission to assess the need... She asked if the Committee had accepted this proposal?
Chair Simpson said no.
Councilor Hopkins said that you refer to the $10,000 covering Phase One, the topics are "secondary research" which you have talked about. There is the topic "tax funded programs" such as the adult Ed programs. Then you talk about the step of possible locations. You talk about possible locations in town, is that part of Phase One that you are asking the Council to support financially a demonstration site? She said that you didn't talk about that tonight and is that part of Phase One?
Chair Simpson said that it could be. He said what the proposal is to find the groups or individuals out there that have a certain talent and use this building to see if they can use it. The thought is let's not build it and hope that they will come, but lets take some programs that people are existing and try it on a trial basis to see if people will participate or not.
Councilor Hopkins asked if that will come to the Council before the final decision?
Chair Simpson said absolutely.
Councilor Hopkins said that seems to be very different than a survey. She said that to her that she still had two concerns. She said that she had read the whole proposal and the concerns were that in Phase Two the individual has a very clear idea. She said that she want sure that she supports it. She said that she hoped that it would come before the Council. She said that this individual that you are recommending that we spend money on can divorce himself from the Phase One and it's recommendations of the possible locations in Phase Two. She said that this person has some very clear ideas where this should be located and how is should happen. She said that she was a little concerned about hiring someone for this amount of money who has mapped out the plan. She said that she had concerns about the scope of
the proposal and to narrow it down it one slice.
Councilor Pomerleau said that he is a member of the Ad-hoc Committee and it's a tough sell when you are a Town Councilor and you are on any committee. He said that he did not support this $10,000. He said that he felt that this Committee was set-up as a fact-finding committee for the Town Council. He said when this Committee was set up we didn't think that we would be looking at a consultant. He said that this Committee was working real strong and we asked an individual to come in with some ideas about a flyer. Councilor Pomerleau said that we went from asking for some help with a flyer for $500 - $600 to having a $10,000 project. He said that he wasn't sure he knew what the $10,000 was for. He said that if we are going to charge $100 to go to organizations and agencies that with ten committee members that
can go to the organizational and report back to the Committee. He said if the Council wants a consultant then we don't need that Committee. We can hire the consultant and they can report back to the Council. He said that other members of the Committee feel the same way. He said what we had was a person come in with a proposal with a dollar amount. He said that he didn't know how an Ad-hoc Committee could negotiate. He said that he has issues that he didn't want to discuss right now. He said that this is one person's idea on what he would like to build as a community center. He said that never in our wildest dreams did we think that we would pay rent and renovate maybe the Schoolhouse Arts. He said that he believed that the Committee can do what we were charged to do. He said that he didn't thing that we needed to put $10,000 there with the idea that we don't need to come back and ask the Council. He said that he was against waiving the bid process. He went on to say the guy that
runs the South Portland Rec Center offers help to people wanting to start a recreation center or maybe the Council of Government could help us. He said that he was surprised when it came in for this price because he thought that he was going to come in for free and helps us with the flyer. He said that now the idea of the flyer is put off but he though that it was a good way to plant the seed of the community center. He said that he would like to see this tabled indefinitely.
Councilor Nesbitt said that he didn't support this at this point. He said that he is familiar with the ideas that were presented three years ago and there is a lot of similarity there. He said that it looks like the Committee is acting prematurely. He said that it needs to go back to the Committee and work out the differences in opinion. He said that this needs to be tabled and re-worked.
Councilor Hopkins suggested that someone makes a motion to table this order. She said that she thought that this information should be taken back to the committee and become a workshop item with the Council to share the discussion and to find where people are on this item.
Moved by Lymburner Seconded by Spencer to table this item indefinitely. (5 Yeas - 1 Nay, Simpson)
Moved by Spencer to reconsider order 180-03; he explained that was the order to submit priorities to SMEDD, he said that he wanted this sent to workshop for more extensive study.
The motion was seconded by Hopkins.
Councilor Spencer said that it was brought to light tonight that need to be talked about at workshop.
VOTE ON RECONSIDERATION: Motion failed.
PUBLIC ITEMS
Councilor Hopkins said that the she would like to have each Councilor receive a copy of the applicants for the Comprehensive Planning Committee and challenge very Councilor to call ten people to try to get more people to submit applications.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Several upcoming meetings were announced.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (S)
No executive session was needed this meeting.
ADJOURN
Moved by Lymburner seconded by Pomerleau to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 10:10 pm by unanimous consent.
Submitted by: ________________________ Clerk/Secretary
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