DRAFT--Minutes are not offical until approved by the Town Council --Draft
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STANDISH, MAINE
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2005 - MUNICIPAL CENTER 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
Councilors present: Christy, Hopkins, Lymburner, Nesbitt, Pomerleau, Simpson and Spencer.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (S)
The minutes from the March 8th, 22nd and 29th meetings were accepted as presented by unanimous consent.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
There were no petitions and communications at this meeting.
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Managers update included:
Debit Cards are now accepted at the Town hall for all transactions.
Public Safety is conducting courtesy safety inspections of commercial businesses. Under a Homeland Security Grant we have recently installed communications repeaters in Buxton, Steep Falls and here to expand emergency radio coverage
Reminder that nomination papers are available at the Town Hall for seats on the elected boards – Council, Planning Board and Budget Committee. Due date for submission is the 29th.
From Public Works, sweeping of subdivision roads will occur in early May. Public Works will do the remainder of the town roads using a rotary sweeper that we purchased with the grader last year.
Paving operations will begin late in the spring for Cape and Boundary roads to put down the finish coat and to put in aprons for the ball fields.
Road projects projected for later this summer or early next spring will include Moody Road, the second half for reconstruction; as well as Manchester Road. Oak Ridge will be repaved plus the remaining gravel section of Milt Brown Road.
From recreation—the summer hiring application period is now ended and we received a great many applications to choose from. Most of the key positions will return. There will be a family run and walk event on the Mountain Division Trail on the 4th of June.
As far as the tracks on the Mountain Division trail, we have been advised by the Maine Department of Transportation that they are clearing the brush within 25 feet of the centerline the entire length of the right of way. They are working now and w it will take from 45 to 60 days to complete.
The Water District is installing three to five wells along Route 35 from just beyond the railroad overpass outside Sebago Lake Village between the fence and the shore of Sebago Lake to investigate the underground water sources in the Otter Pond area.
Maine DOT released their bi-annual capital work plan. What that it is, is funding for the road improvements. It doesn’t mean that the projects will be started this year but, this is list of improvements, Route 11 at Tucker Bridge, intersection of Route 25 and Manchester Road. He said that he thought that was error in the document and it should reference Route 35 and Whites Bridge Road. This job would include state and local matching funds to install a blinking light and a turn lane at the Route 35 and Whites Bridge location. Route 25 from Route 113 to the Limington line will be paved at a cost of $315,000. Engineering funds are included in the budget for a traffic signal light at Route 25 and 113 intersection. Two mile of Route 114 from Wards Cove to the Sebago town line at a cost of $1.2 million
will take place in the next two years. Between Standish and Windham from White’s Bridge Road to the Basin Road in Windham will be resurfaced. Those are the projects that for the next two years on state roads. The Capital Improvements Committee makes suggestions to the state as far as prioritizing roads in town for the state.
Councilor Lymburner inquired on the status of the work on Route 114 from Gorham to the village.
Gordon Billington said that the funds are there and the project should be done this summer, however, the project has not been awarded to a contractor.
Mr. Billington introduced Bud Benson the town planner who would present an update on developments in town.
Bud Benson passed out maps that showed the areas of new housing growth in town. Data describing the year a home was built is available through the Vision program and was used to overlay the locations on the original 1992 Comprehensive Plan map. This shows where the development is taking place. He noted that in the past several years there have not been many house lots available. Recently, there have been a number of subdivisions approved, so there will be more lots available in the future. He noted that development is taking place in the rural areas not in the areas that in the villages or where water mains are located as was projected in the earlier Comprehensive Plan. He said that the Vision data is misleading because the housing data doesn’t depict the size of the lot
which could be 40 acres or 1 acre. He noted that there are several projects that are in process on Route 25 that have recently been approved or pending approval. Leavitt Earthworks project is a 10,000 sq ft retail space a turn lane will be placed in that location. A bank is going across from Colonial Market Place and a fueling station in front of the Market Place.
Gordon Billington said that the 1992 Comprehensive Plan recommended that growth should be located near public water and that’s not what has happened.
Bud Benson said that is where they envisioned the growth, where it could be served by public water. The current Comprehensive Plan is talking about that issue. He noted that residents will be receiving a survey in the mail when completed and retuned it will help the Committee develop the new plan.
Chair Christy asked how many houses have been averaged per year since the ordinance was adopted.
Bud Benson said substantially less than the cap – some where around 40 houses.
Councilor Lymburner asked if the Comprehensive Plan was on schedule.
Bud Benson said that they are starting to see the end but still have work to do.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
20-05 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 237, Shoreland Zoning, § 237-3,
Applicability and §237-17, Definitions [Spencer]
Moved by Lymburner Seconded by Nesbitt to dispense with the Clerks reading of the ordinance. (Unanimous)
Councilor Spencer explained that this is the final reading and what this is will allow the Code Enforcement Officer to be able to use a standard measurement to determine the high water line in the shoreland zone.
After a Public Hearing without additional Council or public discussion the hearing was closed.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
A copy of the ordinance is on file at the Town Clerk’s Office.
42-05 Application Submitted by Reel Excitement, Inc. dba Victory Lane for Renewal of a Pool Room License [Christy]
After a Public Hearing without Council or public discussion the hearing was closed.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilor Simpson reported the Finance Committee notes that the finances of the town are in good shape. There are a few lines such as fuels and lubricants that are being watched. He said that cash flow is being watched and monies may be moved to prevent the issuance of a TAN.
Councilor Simpson said that the Recycling Committee reports that solid waste is growing and not in the proportion that we would like to see.
Councilor Pomerleau said that the Community Center Group went to Wiscasset and Skowhegan on Saturday to visit their community centers. He said that they will look at two more community buildings in the near future.
Councilor Pomerleau said that they had met with the Grondin’s regarding the Middle Jam Road. They have a pit on that road with a five to seven year life and are willing to pay impact fee rather than having the road shut down to heavy truck traffic. He said that we weren’t trying to push any business out-of-business by changing the ordinance. He went on to say that they looked at the waste hauling contract and the will be on the agenda tonight.
Councilor Lymburner said that the Public Safety Committee purchased a defibrillator that will be given to Bonny Eagle High School next month. The Committee has also purchased smoke detectors that will be given to residents that need them by the Fire Department and any leftovers will be available at the Public Safety Fair. The Fair will be held this year at the same time as the Public Safety Departments open house at Station One.
Councilor Nesbitt commented that the Route 113 Corridor Committee met and discussed the potential of tourism along the Route 113 corridor. He said that a major topic of discussion was seed money for a brochure that could be linked with a local Chamber of Commerce.
Councilor Pomerleau said that they were disappointed that the Town of Baldwin voted down to being involved in the grant.
At this time Councilor Lymburner introduced two past members of the Public Safety Committee, Kathy Walker and Jill Gray and awarded them plaques thanking them for their efforts on the Committee. Councilor Lymburner said that Kathy was the inspiration for the Committee to promote safety in the Steep Falls area. She worked hard on the road rage program bringing it to the high school in Standish and Gray. Jill Gray was a beneficial member of the Committee who helped in many ways. Frank Holcomb the Chair of the Committee thanked the Council for their support and especially Gene Nesbitt for his hard work on the Committee.
Councilor Nesbitt extended his thanks to Kathy and Jill for their support and efforts.
Councilor Spencer said that the Ordinance Committee is working on several items some of which are on the agenda tonight. Future meetings will be focusing on the Comprehensive Plan Committees recommendations.
Councilor Hopkins said that the Senior Exploratory Committee has met twice. The Committee has identified the questions and people that they want to meet with. The Committee will meet on Wednesdays during the off week of the Council Meetings. Guest speakers will be attending various meeting review related topics.
Councilor Hopkins said that as a member of the Personnel Committee she will be attending the Budget Committee meeting on this Wednesday to explain the rational behind the Personnel Committees budget recommendations for employee benefits.
CONSENT CALENDAR
43-05 Approval of Election Clerks and Election Warden for June 14, 2005 Municipal Elections [Christy]
44-05 Authorize Change in Voter Registration Hours prior to the June 14, 2005 Municipal Elections [Christy]
Voted on consent calendar with one vote as follows:
7 Yeas – 0 Nays
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
37-05 Adopt Undesignated Fund Balance Policy [Simpson]
Councilor Simpson said that we have always maintained a healthy undesignated fund balance for any rainy days costs which would prevent us from going out for a TAN. He noted that the fund balance was not all cash. He explained that it was the recommendation of the auditor that we establish a policy. He said that monthly we spend about $100,000. We have been trying to keep on hand in that fund approximately $2.5 million. That’s the reason that you see two and a half twelfths as the amount that we would like to see in that fund.
Louis Stack of White’s Bridge Road said that this policy doesn’t work. He said that you set the mil rate in September. He said that last year you wrote-down the taxes by $250,000. He said what this will have you do is wait to do the tax rate. He said that we have a 13 month accounting schedule, in the past we have paid an auditing firm to do bookkeeping that hadn’t been done. This year and in the future we won’t need those types of services. He said that this year by July 30 the Finance Director should have the final accounting numbers. He said that if you follow this you will be waiting until next June to write-down the taxes.
William Orr of Kerri Farms Road urged the Council to vote this item down. He said to carry $2.5 million would cost the town $100,000 in available interest on that money. Using a TAN would be a third in the costs. He said that it should be returned to the taxpayers as soon as possible.
Councilor Pomerleau asked that someone respond to Mr. Stacks questions.
Councilor Simpson said that it makes sense to have a policy. He said that we pass the budget in June we don’t pass it in July or August. The mil rate it set later based on the budget we pass in June. Last year we used $295,000 out of the fund balance plus another $200,000. He said that it is essential that we keep that amount of money in the account.
Councilor Pomerleau asked if we were collecting interest on those funds.
Councilor Simpson said that the monies are invested in interest bearing accounts.
Dick Lagarde said that the question is are investments or the funds are liquid funds – the answer is that they are not. The fund balance includes a variety of things. It represents the difference between your assets and liabilities. At any given time we have different cash positions based on the time of year. He said that there are dips when we actually have to use those funds. This is not the first year that the auditor had suggested adopting a plan. He said that this is the first year that we received an unqualified opinion. He said that says a lot for the town. He said that it is good policy and the bonding agencies look favorably in having a policy in place. He said that he would advise that this is adopted.
Councilor Pomerleau asked again about money in Standish not being invested.
Dick Lagarde explained that the accounts are swept at a certain threshold to an interest earning account on a daily basis.
Councilor Pomerleau said that when you say stashed away people could think that you mean that there is a vault here where we keep the money. He asked again about the interest bearing accounts.
Dick Lagarde said that there is minor petty cash kept here. All other monies are deposited on a daily basis for every department.
Councilor Lymburner said that she would be voting against this because she is against the wording in order 36-05. She said that order will be going into the Town Code. She said it only needs to say that there will be a policy. She that she was opposed to 36-05 and will vote against this order also.
Councilor Nesbitt asked for someone to clarify Mr. Stack’s comments regarding the use of the funds. Will we always be a year behind?
Dick Lagarde explained that the auditors do preliminary work before we end the fiscal year. A lot of our bills for June don’t come in until sometime in July so we have a thirteenth month accounting period. The accountants will come in again for additional work, they will do their report. From the draft report we start the management discussion which is needed to present the audit which historically has been done in November. He said to have a reliable number we need the auditor’s report which is issued in November.
Gordon Billington said that the audit represents a snapshot in time on June 30th. It is a few months after the close out that you will have the number. He said that the Council will be provided that number by the auditor by the end of the year, prior to the start of the next budget cycle. He said that is the best information that you will have to develop your budget for the following year. The Finance Director will take that information into consideration for the recommendation.
Councilor Lymburner said that you mentioned preliminary work-what’s the time frame and what is done.
Dick Lagarde said that come in early June to gather some information.
Councilor Pomerleau asked how do you come up with the two and a half months, is that a standard amount.
Dick Lagarde said that each municipality would be different. He said that in a previous municipality that he worked in they had larger funds and cash flow it doesn’t require that the policies amount is as large. He said that in a smaller community with limited revenue funds we have to watch our money a lot closer. When there are dips in the cash flow it appears that two and a half months worth of operating funds are required at those critical times. In the event that something went south or a number of projects came forward at the same time we would have the funding to complete those.
Councilor Pomerleau said what’s broken on the wheel that makes this change, he said that we have a TAN that we can use now.
Dick Lagarde said that there is nothing broken. He noted that over the last couple of years our fund balance has been stable and that’s a healthy thing. The concept of putting it into a policy basically reflects positively on the municipality. It shows that they have taken a deliberate step to take it out of the political arena and place it in a policy that the Council uses as a guide on a year to year basis. Trying to keep the undesignated amount stable and the mil rate stable are very important.
Councilor Pomerleau asked if we have been staying above the 2.5 percent number over the last couple of years.
Dick Lagarde said that we have been roughly at that amount or maybe a little higher. He said that the 2.5 is not as high as we have been but it is a sound point to be at.
Gordon Billington noted that once that a budget is passed it is effective the first of July. That calls for a spending pattern of a million to a million and a half a month straight through the year. He explained if you started off with a zero fund balance the first of July we would have no money to the bills because we don’t collect taxes until November. We need operating cash for the first five and a half month period. You need something there to smooth the cash flow needs.
Councilor Lymburner asked that Dick explain the two and a half twelfths to the percentage of the budget is the undesignated balance, what does that convert to as a percentage of the budget?
Dick Lagarde said approximately 22 to 25 percent.
Councilor Lymburner questioned that 25 percent is allocated to be retained as undesignated funds.
Dick Lagarde said that the fund balance is a position on the equity side and there is an effort to equate the fund balance to cash. He said that is really not cash. If you look at the audit can compare the fund balance to the cash and investments it clearly does not equate.
Councilor Lymburner asked is it convertible to cash?
Dick Lagarde said that it is a snapshot in time as of June 30th we present you with an audited snapshot of what the town looks like at that time. That is a comparable to other municipalities who have a fiscal year end June 30. He said that a portion of it is cash in investments or operating account. Two and a half million in undesignated fund balance is not necessary cash. He said that it is the difference between our assets and liabilities. So, our assets, receivables, tax collection, at every year end we have taxes as receivables and other receivables.
Councilor Lymburner said that you are saying that the undesignated fund balance includes things like tables and building and things like that.
Dick Lagarde said that we would take all of our assets starting with the mostly liquid being cash and the least liquid being infrastructure and subtract from that what we owe to our vendors which is our accounts payable and our bonds, when you subtract those from the assets the difference is the undesignated fund balance as well as reserves and designated fund balance. He said that if this is confusing he suggested going to the web site to look at the audit which shows the cash position as of June 30th and the undesignated fund balance as well.
Councilor Hopkins said that she would support this order for a number of reasons; she noted that there are key words such as to create a guideline. She said that this is not law it is a guideline. Other key words are the Town “shall strive” – it is a guideline as we look through the budget. She said that we have heard this suggestion from the auditor a number of times especially in the last two years. She said that she would support this because it can be changed at any time.
Chair Christy said that we have heard from the public and the Finance Directors recommendation. He said that this is a guideline for the future that we will strive to stay within.
VOTE: 6 Yeas – 1 Nay Lymburner
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Lymburner and Voted to dispense with the reading of the order. (Unanimous)
Councilor Spencer explained that since this order and order 45-05 are related he would like the discussion to take place at the same time.
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Lymburner to table this order 31-05 until later in the meeting. (Unanimous)
31-05 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 263 Vehicles and Traffic, § 263-3 Weigh Limit on Middle Jam Road (First Reading) [Spencer]
A five minute recess was taken at this time.
The Council came back into session at 8:07 pm.
33-05 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181 Land Use, § 181-32 Range Ways and Future Streets (Sent to Ordinance Committee 3/9/05) [Spencer]
This item remained on the table.
34-05 Amendments to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181 Land Use; and Chapter 252 Streets and Sidewalks, to Clarify the Street Design, Construction and Classification Standards (Sent to Ordinance Committee 3/9/05) [Spencer]
This item remained on the table.
36-05 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 3, Article VI, Department of Finance, To Add Language on the Undesignated Fund Balance Policy (First Reading) [Simpson]
Councilor Simpson said that this is the enacting method for the policy.
William Orr asked why would the percentage number have to change.
Councilor Simpson said that we could have put a dollar figure in there such as $2.5 million. If the budget keeps going up then that number is going to go down. That’s why we put in as a form of months.
Chair Christy asked if that answered his question.
Bill Orr said not really.
Dick Lagarde said that in addition to the undesignated fund balance there are the reserves that are part of the equity section of the fund balance. The reserves are broken into two sections such as long term projects, and the carry forward that makes up part of the equity portion. If those things happen to shrink say if the carry forward at the end of 2005 is $400,000. That would be a difference of $200,000 from the year prior that would mean there would be $200,000 more if all other things were equal.
William Orr said that means we just got a job done on time. He asked why would you want to change the percentage number.
Dick Lagarde said that if the need for those reserves decrease for any reason, say we become more efficient then the undesignated fund balance will swell. Based on this policy that difference would be returned to the taxpayers.
Councilor Hopkins said that we just passed 37-05 which is a policy which talks about guidelines. She questioned why we needed this ordnance change for the policy.
Gordon Billington said what this does by putting it in the Town Code is recognized that there is a policy. This codifies it to confirm that you really have a policy.
Councilor Hopkins said if we want to change the policy do we have to change the Code.
Gordon Billington said absolutely not.
Councilor Hopkins said that this technically has no impact to modify the policy.
Councilor Lymburner said that she begged to differ with that opinion. She said that the language does not just recognize that we have a policy. She said if that was so all it needed to say is that there is a policy. She said that if it said just that she would have voted for it. She said that the language rubs her the wrong way by indicating that the auditor has input in our policy. She said all it should state if that we have a policy
Councilor Hopkins said that she agreed with Councilor Lymburner regarding the differences between the policy and the ordinance.
Councilor Pomerleau said that he was not going to support this. He was on the fence on the policy and this muddies the waters. The policy makes it clear where we are going with this.
Councilor Spencer said the ordinance just gives us the guideline on how to police the policy.
Councilor Nesbitt questioned if the process should in the policy not in the code. He said that there is value to have definition of the process.
Councilor Spencer said that in the past we have passed policies that have not been revisited. If you were to ask him what we passed in 1990 as a policy – he didn’t know.
VOTE: 3 Yeas – 4 Nays, Hopkins, Lymburner Nesbitt and Pomerleau
138-04 Application submitted by Kurt Cochran dba Rouge Paintball for a New Victualer’s
License Located at 190 Northeast Road (Tabled 10/12/04) [Christy]
Moved by Hopkins Seconded by Lymburner to remove this item from the table. (Unanimous)
Councilor Pomerleau wanted to know if the applicant has gone beyond the original Planning Board approval. He asked that the Code Enforcement Officer look into it.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
NEW BUSINESS
45-05 Motion to Reconsider Council Order 30-05 Regarding Weight Limits on Middle Jam Road [Simpson]
Chair Christy reminded the Council that the are also considering order 31-05 at the at the same time.
Chair Christy said that Capital Improvement committee has met with Mr. Grodnin who has agreed to pay an impact fee in lieu of the ordinance that would closed down the road to heavy truck traffic.
Chair Christy asked the Clerk to walk them through the voting procedure.
The Clerk explained that they would need to vote on 45-05, and then vote on 30-05 to rescind or repeal order 30-05.
Councilor Hopkins said that she was not part of the CIP meeting and needed this explained.
Councilor Simpson said that you have to vote on the reconsideration before discussion.
VOTE ON ORDER 45-05: 7 Yeas – 0 nays
Councilor Lymburner said that even though the gravel pit is located in Gorham the company travels over roads in Standish to get to the pit. She explained that they are the major user of the road although other heavy truck may also use the road. Because of the fact that they had an expansion we decided to limit the use on heavy vehicles on that road. She went on to say that they came to us and expressed their concerns and offered to pay the impact fee. That is what has caused us to bring this forward.
Councilor Pomerleau said that he has concerns about this. He said that he didn’t think that you can pass two dump trucks on the road at one time. He said that the empty trucks enter through Gorham and exit through Standish. He said that the applicant said that they only impacted a few houses. But, Councilor Pomerleau said that he counted 13 houses on this side of the pit. He said that he is offering to pay $25,000 as an impact fee not the whole amount to fix the road. He said that the applicant assured us that he would be out of the pit in five to seven years and that the pit would not be expanded. He noted that because his pit abuts Busque’s pit and potential problems that might arise from that. That road is not built for heavy traffic. If he start flowing
40 - 50 trucks a day it will be a big impact on the road. He said that road is scheduled to be repaired and should we push that back a few years until he is done with the pit. He thought that he would be done with the pit in five years.
Councilor Spencer said that the applicant said that it would be in five to seven years driven by the market.
Councilor Pomerleau said that the applicant is willing to put up a fee to help make improvements to the road. He then questioned the amount to fix the road.
Roger Mosley said that the amount that they are paying will help to make the improvements based on the additional wear and tear.
Councilor Pomerleau asked if this fee would allow for additional repair.
Roger Mosley said that he supported the previous work on the road and the CIP recommendation. He went on to say that he spring posting of the road supersedes all of this.
Chair Christy asked if Busque has an impact fee on that road.
Councilor Lymburner said no because he doesn’t use that road he has an outlet on Route 35. Mr. Grodnin said that if would be unwise for Mr. Busque to go out Middle Jam Road since he has an outlet on Route 35.
Councilor Pomerleau said that he challenged that because if you had a back way out of your pit to avoid traffic it would be used.
Roger Mosley said that Peter Busque did pay an impact fee for his pit on the Middle Jam Road but his two pits do not abut each other.
VOTE ON 30-05: 1 Yea – 6 Nays, Christy, Hopkins, Lymburner, Nesbitt, Simpson and Spencer
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Lymburner to take order 31-05 off the table. (Unanimous)
31-05 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 263 Vehicles and Traffic, § 263-3 Weigh Limit on Middle Jam Road (First Reading) [Spencer]
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Lymburner to dispense with the Clerk’s reading of the order. (Unanimous)
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Lymburner to Indefinitely Postpone this ordinance. (Unanimous)
46-05 Forward Fiscal Year 2006 Municipal Budget to the Budget Committee [Simpson]
Councilor Simpson thanked the Manager for submitting a very conservative budget. He went on to thank the Council for all their efforts. He noted that we dropped the mil rate for the Town’s portion by .08¢ and the overall mil rate by .68¢. He said that the Town should be proud of the work that hard been done on the budget there is no increase.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
Louis Stack announced that there are two Budget Committee meetings; one will be held on April 13 and next on one on April 20 both beginning at 7:00 pm.
47-05 Amendment to a Money Purchase Plan [IRS Code Section 401(a)] to Permit Loans
[Hopkins]
Councilor Hopkins explained that currently we have the 401(A) this orders an amendment will allow employees to borrow on the money that they themselves have contributed but not on the amount that the Town has contributed. This will cost the Town nothing and the employee has to pay back the loan.
Dick Lagarde said that it is a standard loan arrangement handled through ICMA.
William Orr asked if there was a limit on how many times that the employee can take a loan.
Dick Lagarde said that we are providing forms only; it will be administrated through ICMA.
Councilor Pomerleau said that he wanted to make sure that the Towns employees are not doing extra work because of this.
Dick Lagarde said that he was not sure of how many loans could be taken out.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
48-05 Place Referendum Question on the Ballot at the June 14, 2005 Municipal Election and call for Public Hearing [Christy]
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
49-05 Approve Warrant for June 14, 2005 Annual Municipal Elections [Christy]
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
50-05 Authorize Contract with Regional Waste Systems, Inc. for Waste Handling Agreement [Christy]
Gordon Billington said that this will save the Town $70,000 this year and over $300,000 over the life of the contract.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
51-05 Authorize Agreement with Regional Waste Systems, Inc. for Demolition Materials Handling [Christy]
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
52-05 Approve Bid and Authorize Contract for Waste Hauling Services [Simpson]
Councilor Pomerleau said that it was the low bid and is a local business.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
53-05 Reduce Performance Guaranty- Hartwell – Knights Woods Subdivision [Simpson]
Moved by Hopkins Seconded by Spencer to amend the order by adding the amount of $37,470. (Unanimous)
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Hopkins to add order 54-05 to the agenda (Unanimous)
54-05 Authorize Request for Reconsideration of Community Block Grant Application [Simpson]
Chair Christy explained that the original order call for all towns along the corridor to participate in the grant application. There was one town that was reluctant to participate at that time. Both Standish and Fryeburg that are at the ends corridor support the project. It was his opinion that when the Town of Baldwin sees the progress they will join the program.
Councilor Hopkins said that it is important to note why we are reconsidering this. There is new information, she said that she would support this because it is in the planning stage and no town monies will be spent. She said that she had some questions regarding the program.
Councilor Pomerleau said that all towns along the corridor will benefit from the program. He said that the next meeting will be in Standish and he hope that many will attend. He noted that representatives form GPCOG and SMEDD have attended the meetings. He said that a brochure was being developed that would include businesses and scenic areas along the corridor. He said that the committee has been working hard in the past several months.
Councilor Nesbitt said that one item that ties in is the concurrent development of the Mountain Division Trail. He said that may be moving faster than originally thought.
Councilor Pomerleau said that the grant money is available without local matching funds.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
PUBLIC ITEMS
Louis Stack expressed his opinion that the undesignated fund policy that was adopted tonight; in this years budget you are writing this years budget by $300,000. He said that you started off the FY 2005 budget with an undesignated reserve at $3,167,000. Last Year, at this time, you wrote down the budget by $200,000 which totaled $375,000. He said what you have essentially done. You have gone from $3,167,000 to approximately $2.5 million. He said that the problem is that you are ignoring the growth in the undesignated reserve. He said that the revenues that are over and above what was estimated. He said that there were revenues that were understated and expenses that were over stated. There are a number of items that will grow the reserve, he said what you are doing with this policy is ingoting that
growth. You will be holding that money back from the taxpayers for a whole year before giving it back.
William Orr said that he had a question about the policy. Is this money that will be appearing on the budget? Will it be on the town meeting warrant so people can vote on it?
Chair Christy said that his understanding of the policy is that the Council has the authority to go up or down. The policy is not cast in stone it is a guideline. He said that when he is voting on a budget is base on what is needed at the time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Several upcoming meetings were announced.
It was noted that a Rabies Clinic will be held at the Sebago Lake Congressional Church on May 16 from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (S)
There was no Executive Session needed at this meeting.
ADJOURN
Moved by Spencer Seconded by Lymburner to adjourn. The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:15 pm.
Submitted by: ____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
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