DRAFT--MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPORVED BY COUNCIL--DRAFT
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STANDISH, MAINE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2005 – MUNICIPAL CENTER 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
Councilors present: Christy, Hopkins, Pomerleau and Simpson. Councilor Lymburner was excused.
Councilor Simpson said that as most people know Councilor Spencer submitted his resignation which now is finalized. He noted that he talked with Jerry today and he is in good spirits.
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Christy and Voted to take order number 173-05 out of order. (Unanimous)
173-05 Town Council Appointment to Vacant Town Council Seat [Hopkins]
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Christy and Voted to add the name of Michial D. Russell to the order. (Unanimous)
Chair Hopkins explained that Michial impressed all on the Appointments Committee and others that had the opportunity to interview him. She said that he is very community oriented and believes that an individual should provide as much for the community as the community provides for the individual. She noted that he was active in other communities that he has lived in with the local search and rescue. He has his EMT basic license he was also served on the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. He recently served on the Town of Buxton Fire and Rescue Department. She said that he has been very active in the communities that he has lived. She said that he feels strongly about ethics and integrity and faith in the system. She said that she was reading from a letter that he sent to the
Council, she went on to say the letter impressed all of them. The letter said stated that he believes in the fairness, patience and the value of everyone’s personal opinion.
William Orr asked the Council to set this aside for this meeting. He said that has no objection to the candidate. He said that he thought that the Council needed five votes to approve or remove under the Charter. He said that this is going to be approved right now and there was no name included in this order.
The Clerk read Section 202 (D) In case of a vacancy caused by death, resignation, or other cause, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Council until the next regularly held election to fill the unexpired term.
William Orr said that the general public should have the opportunity to speak on this.
Chair Hopkins said that this is a recommendation of the Appointments Committee.
Councilor Christy asked who is he replacing?
Chair Hopkins said Mr. Nesbitt’s the At Large seat.
Councilor Pomerleau that there were numerous applicants and that the Committee has chosen the best candidate.
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 4 Yeas 0 Nays
Mr. Russell was sworn to office before the Town Clerk.
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Christy and Voted to take order 177-05 out of order. (Unanimous)
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Christy and Voted dispense with the Clerks reading of the order. (Unanimous)
Mr. Billington said that we have until the 14th of October to approve at the local level the transfer of the franchise from Adelphia to Time Warner. He said if we take no action it will automatically transfer. He said that there has been a consortium of municipalities in the state that have worked together to develop a standard resolution to protect their interests during this transfer. That is what is before you tonight with some modifications to meet our situation. He said that we have a very good franchise at the present time, probably the best in the state due to Tony Vigue’s good negotiations with FrontierVision prior to Adelphia. It addresses prorating the franchise fee if the franchise sale date occurs off cycle. He said that Tony was here to answer any questions.
He said if this is passed it will protect us well. He noted that the other towns have passed similar resolutions. He said that this is not the original resolution that was presented by Time Warner, is one better protects the municipalities’ in the transfer process. He explained that concurrently he has been given authority to enter into negotiations with Adelphia to extend the current contract. We have the option right now to extend it for five years under the current terms and conditions and that is in the Towns best interest to do so rather than enter into new negotiations with Time Warner. He said that we want to make sure that we are in a good standing with both Adelphia and Time Warner. He explained that Tony Vigue and he had a conference call with Time Warner and Adelphia attorneys and came forward with this wording.
Louis Stack noted that the last contract with Adelphia included a discount for seniors; will this also include a discount?
Gordon Billington said that it would.
Councilor Christy asked what was the senior discount?
Tony Vigue said that if you are 65 years or over you can request a senior discount through Adelphia. He said you should call the Town and speak with Gordy’s secretary or Mary to get the number for the right person. Mr. Vigue went on to say that Mr. Billington did an excellent job explaining the franchise.
Chair Hopkins said that she wanted to thank Tony and Gordy for the work on this. She said the contract with Adelphia is one of the best around.
VOTE: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (S)
The minutes of from September 13th and 20th meetings were accepted as presented by unanimous content.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
There were no petitions or communications at this meeting.
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Managers update included:
This is fire prevention week with the theme this year of candle safety. The Fire Department will be taking information into the elementary schools. They will be handing out other fire safety related items. A similar program will be presented at the college.
He said that many of you may notice that we have a yellow flag flying at the Town Hall that indicates the security condition. Comments regarding the flag can be directed to him.
Engine One is out of service due to a mishap last week. It will be taken to Massachusetts for the damage to be analyzed.
On the 24th of October the Fire Department will be going to be inspecting the high school science lab.
Recreation will have a booth at the safety fair highlighting healthy snacks.
The Harvest Festival will include a scarecrow contest again this year sponsored by the Standish Business Association.
The Halloween Party for the youth will be on Sunday October 30th at Standish Memorial Park the rain location will be the George E. Jack School. The party will includes a pumpkin decorating, costume contests and hay rides for the kids.
A leaf peeping bus tour will be offered this Thursday for seniors, this trip is full.
The seniors held a bean supper at the Steep Falls Fire Barn and raised $341.
Community Center Committee is still searching for a site.
The Code Enforcement Office says that the housing starts are slow.
Mr. Billington introduced the Mary Chapman who would present the Department Head Report.
Mary Chapman explained that the 1st installment of 2006 taxes due on 11/15/05 just reminder that in April of this year we started accepting as a method of payment for all transactions PIN base debit cards.
Mary noted that the past year has brought many other additions to the Clerk’s Office. She explained that in February she attended a two day class held by Inland Fisheries which introduced the MOSES (Maine Online Sportsman’s Electronic System). She said that class was for training on issuing game licenses. The program allows the town to go online to the I F & W’s web site and process the customer’s games license. The program has a lot of advantages for the town and the state and customer. The state has up-to-day customer information, the town no longer has to have a large stock of licenses on hand, the reporting process is streamlined and IF & W now becomes the custodian of where the licenses are retained. She explained that this fall she attended the second phase of the class which
dealt with learning about processing boats; ATV’s and snowmobiles through MOSES... Processing these registrations has the same advantages as the games licenses as far as storage and current up-to-date customer information.
She explained that in the 2006 FY budget she requested monies to purchase a camera to process passport photos. The camera has been purchased and we’re happy to take the photos for anyone processing a passport thorough our office. She explained that the US Department of State and Homeland Security have submitted the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative proposal. What this initiative does is requires US citizens re-enter the United States by Jan 1, 2008.
Election Day will be Tuesday November 8, polls will be open for 6:00 am until 8:00 pm. Absentee ballots are available. The State referendum has 1 peoples veto question, 5 bond questions and one constitutional amendment. We also will be voting on a MSAD referendum question. Interested persons can go online for more information about the ballot questions at www.maine.gov look for links to elections – Citizens Guide to Referendum Election. The school Public Hearing will be 10/17 beginning at 7pm at the BEMS cafeteria.
Councilor Russell asked for clarification regarding the passport application and photo process.
The Clerk explained that the Town of Standish is a passport acceptance agency.
Councilor Pomerleau asked about variety stores offering hunting and fishing licenses for sale.
The Clerk explained that Inland Fisheries has expanded who can sell licenses.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
166-05 Application Submitted by Jack Lee dba Karry Out, Inc. for Renewal of a Malt and Vinous Restaurant License Located at Colonial Market Place [Hopkins]
Chair Hopkins asked if there was information regarding the note on the application.
The Clerk explained that she spoke with the applicant and he had supplied numbers based on monthly sales.
After a public hearing without additional Council or public discussion the above titled application was approved and the hearing was closed.
VOTE: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilor Pomerleau noted the Capital Improvement met on Wednesday with the Comprehensive Plan Committee and talked about sidewalks, fire stations that may be added, and the Oak Hill intersection. The meeting lasted a couple of hours it was a round table discussion and he came way with some new ideas.
Councilor Pomerleau said that he would like to have the Fire Department tell about the upcoming Open House and Safety Fair.
Captain Brent Libby explained that this year the Public Safety Fair and the Open House will be combined. The Auxiliary will have a bake sale, recreation will have a kid’s table, Sheriff’s Office will have several displays and Fire/EMS will have fire prevention information. The theme is home health and safety and they have tried to offer many different displays for all ages. The time is from 10 am until 2 pm.
Councilor Pomerleau said that he hoped that it will be well attended.
Councilor Christy said that he attended a Trustee’s meeting at the Steep Falls Library. He said that he was happy to report that he was impressed by the Board of Trustee’s and what they are trying to do right now. He said that they wanted to impress on the people in town that the library is for all the citizens of Standish.
Chair Hopkins explained that the Personnel Committee met to discuss the EMS Billing Clerk order and a change in the sick leave law.
Chair Hopkins said that the Appointments Committee has few more orders on the agenda tonight. She said that she wanted to thank all that had applied.
Councilor Pomerleau said that it was very important that these vacancies get filled.
CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no consent items this evening.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
92-05 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Land Use, Zoning Regulations § 181-73, Definitions, § 181-8 Business and Commercial Districts and § 181-10 Industrial Districts (First
Reading) (Moved to Committee on 7/12/05) [Spencer]
This item remained on the table.
102-05 Amendment to Town of Standish Fee Schedule (Tabled) [Simpson]
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Christy and Voted to take this item off the table. (Unanimous)
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Christy and Voted to substitute the new attached fee schedule as the working document.
Councilor Simpson explained that the Chief came in and brought this information forward. The biggest discussion was the fees for motor vehicle crashes. It was agreed that anything under $1,000 would not be billed. He said that there are three tiers of billing for motor vehicle crashes. They also discussed brush fire fees; and all house fire fees which were removed from the schedule. He said that there would only be billing to insurance companies.
Chief Jordan said that from the workshop, Finance Committee and other meetings the fees have been changed to reflect what the Council asked them to be. He said that there was a three tier schedule as was mentioned. Light, medium and heavy rescue call fees will be used. He said that he had provided sample forms, bills, and reports that would be used.
Louis Stack questioned if the waste disposal fees should be changed to a lower fee since we will not be paying for that service to the new vendor.
Mr. Billington said that the contract came within budget.
Louis Stack said that we will not be paying for the disposal and should pass that on to the residents.
Councilor Simpson said that the only changes in the fee schedule are underlined.
Chair Hopkins asked that Mr. Stack speak to this when the item is on the agenda.
William Orr said that we are continually adding fees but we never see a reduction in the Department. He said the fees should go back to the Department to reduce their budget.
Councilor Pomerleau asked about the Haz-Mat non-team $1,000 fee.
Chief Jordan explained that if the big team is needed there is an additional fee, but if we handle it locally it is the $1,000 fee.
Councilor Christy said that this is filling a gap by submitting to insurance. He said that only insurance companies will be billed.
Chair Hopkins questioned the fee for the Haz-Mat non-team.
Chief Jordan said that it is per call at $1,000.
Mr. Billington asked if the notation of hourly charge should be removed for the Haz-mat non-team.
Chief Jordan said that the fees are based on per hour.
Councilor Pomerleau asked how insurance companies paid.
Chief Jordan said per hour.
Councilor Charity asked for clarification of the fees.
Chair Hopkins said that the numbers before us tonight are all a per hour fee structure with the exception of the Haz-mat non-team fee of $1,000.
Chief Jordan said that is correct.
Chair Hopkins said these fees come out of the Finance Committee and the Public Safety Department.
Councilor Russell asked if these fees were billed to insurance companies only?
Chair Hopkins said that is correct.
Councilor Christy asked if these fees go into the Departments budget.
Chief Jordan said that the fees go into the town’s general fund.
VOTE ON FEE SCHEDULE AS SUBSTITUTED: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
103-05 Increase EMS Billing Clerk Hours (Sent to Personnel Committee 9/13/05) [Simpson]
This item reflects the report of the Personnel Committee.
Chair Hopkins said that the Personnel Committee met with the Town Manager and the Fire Chief to discuss this position, they spent a lot of time on this issue. She said that with the addition of the billing for the motor vehicle crash and brush fires it will add about five and a half hours to her schedule. The Personnel Committee is recommending this change.
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Christy and Voted to amend by deleting the words “and structure” from the order. (Unanimous)
William Orr questioned if this was the operation that the super computer program was purchased for that was to cut the work time in half? Will this program be used for the additional work?
Chair Hopkins said there is no software program for this part of the work.
William Orr said that he remembered that the woman came here and thanked the Council for such a great program that cut her workload in half.
Chair Hopkins said that the Personnel Committee had a request about two and a half years ago to increase the clerk’s hours. At that time they decided to purchase the software to help with the EMS billing rather than increase the hours worked. She said that if you look at the numbers EMS calls have gone up of call. She said that it cut the clerk’s time in getting the billing and turn around time down, but the call volume has increased.
Chief Jordan predicted that the call volume will be from 2,000 t0 2,100 calls.
Chair Hopkins said that she is at 32 hour per week and they are recommending her for 40 hours per week.
William Orr asked if that will qualify her for fringe benefits?
Chair Hopkins said that she already receives prorated benefits, at 40 hours she will receive additional benefits.
William Orr said that we are increasing budgets all the time, increasing tax rates, increasing fees, increasing charges to insurance companies which come back to the taxpayers.
Louis Stack asked how much this will add to the budget.
Mr. Billington said that this will be absorbed into the budget at an $8,000 total cost to the town including benefits. He noted that the billing should compensate for that cost.
Louis Stack said that was not included in this year’s budget.
Mr. Billington said that the Department budget could absorb it.
Councilor Russell said that he has worked in the Public Safety field and it was his opinion that this likely will be a good move. He said increasing the hours from 32 to 40 hours per week is a better move than hiring a second billing person or burning the clerk out.
VOTE ON AMENDED ORDER: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
136-05 Amendments to the Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Gravel Pits §181-16, (First Reading) [Christy]
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Christy and Voted to dispense with the Clerks reading of the order. (Unanimous)
Councilor Christy said that this allows for third party review if necessary.
This item moved on to Public Hearing at the November meeting. (Unanimous)
161-05 Authorize Town Manager to Enter into Purchase and Sales Contract with Donald and Eleanor Boulter for Land Adjacent to the Standish Municipal Center(Tabled at the 9/20/05 meeting) [Simpson]
This item remained on the table.
162-05 Call for Referendum Question to be Placed on the Ballot at the November 8, 2005 Election (Tabled at the 9/20/05 meeting) [Simpson]
Moved by Christy Seconded by Pomerleau and Voted to take this item off the table. (Unanimous)
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Russell and Voted to Indefinitely Postpone this order. (Unanimous)
163-05 Approve Warrant for November 8, 2005 Municipal Referendum Election (Tabled at the 9/20/05 meeting) [Simpson]
Moved by Christy Seconded by Pomerleau and Voted to take this item off the table. (Unanimous)
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Russell and Voted to Indefinitely Postpone this order. (Unanimous)
165-05 Approve Warrant for Maine School District 6 Referendum Election to be Held November 8, 2005 (Tabled at the 9/20/05 meeting) [Hopkins]
Chair Hopkins said that this deals with the funding for the sprinkler system that the
VOTE: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
NEW BUSINESS
167-05 Waive No Parking Restriction on Saco road for Annual Craft Fair Held by the Trustees of the Old Red Church [Hopkins]
Chair Hopkins explained that the fair will be held at the Middle School this year.
VOTE: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
168-05 Authorize Submission of Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application [Hopkins]
Chair Hopkins explained that Chief Jordan presented the information to the Council the workshop.
Chief Jordan explained that this is the second portion of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. In the spring we put in for gear. In the fall it is for fire prevention related materials. He said that there are no costs associated with this grant. He said that they are hoping to purchase a Sparky’s Hazard House materials. He said he thought that it was the best way to go because it can be used every day of the week. It has no bearing on weather, and it can be brought into the schools because it is completely portable. It has what is called the ‘Midas Touch’ meaning it is animated. It will make sparks, smoke and goes along with the risk watch program. In addition, they are applying for the animated Sparky Fire costume. He said that combining the two really
gives a good learning atmosphere for the children in the community. He noted The Learn not to Burn Program, the Stop Drop and Roll Program, and Juvenile Fire Program that are also used in the department. He said that the suit is $4,000 and the total grant is a little more than $29,000, there is no matching funds needed for this grant. He said that he hopes that they will be successful in obtaining this grant if it is approved by the Council tonight.
William Orr asked if this is a one time grant.
Chief Jordan said that it was.
William Orr asked if the next time if it would come back on the taxpayer?
Chair Hopkins asked the Federal taxpayer?
William Orr said any taxpayer. He said that these grants are for one time purchase and it becomes something that we need.
Chair Hopkins said that it will be up to the Chief to see where the needs are.
Councilor Christy said that question was asked in committee and this will be a one time grant.
Chief Jordan said that if grants come up next year it may be for some other items.
Councilor Christy asked about the stickers for windows.
Chief Jordan said that they have fallen out of vogue. They also found out that it didn’t really work because the children often leave their rooms.
Councilor Simpson questioned the reducing amount that was available to towns from grants.
Chief Jordan said that WMD-the federal funds from FEMA are the grants that are bring cut.
Councilor Pomerleau said that it was hard to believe that the costs for the costume was $4,000. Can’t you have someone locally make it?
Chief Jordan said that it is animated.
VOTE: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
169-05 Reduce Performance Guaranty - Cummings – Corrine’s Place [Simpson]
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Christy and Vote to add the amount of $39,600 to the order. (Unanimous)
Roger Mosley said that this is the release of the performance guaranty for the work that has been completed on Corrine’s’ Place to date.
Louis Stack said that there was a reduction last month and at that time he suggested that not be reduced due to the problem with Route 35 in that area. He asked if Scarborough DOT been contacted to correct the ‘Speed bump’ on Route 35?
Gordon Billington said that he did contact Dave Sherlock at Scarborough MDOT. Mr. Sherlock indicated that they would not ask for it to be cleaned now they want it to sit through the winter. It will be corrected in the spring. They said that if you try to correct it now you will defeat part of the settling the needs to take place. Mr. Billington said that Roger Mosley rode over it and did not think that it will cause a problem for the plows. He said that MDOT agrees that it is not good job. He said that the permit was given not to Corrine’s Place but to Portland Water District. The Water District would be the one accountable to insure that it is properly fixed.
Louis Stack asked when do we make payments to the Water District for fire hydrants? He suggested that someone be held responsible to remove the bump. He said that he said that plows weren’t the only vehicles that might have problems it they hit it. He suggested holding up the Portland Water District payment until they take care of it.
William Orr questioned releasing the funds on this road. He said that he drove down that road and said that there is a lot of garbage in the right-of-way. He asked if we do more inspections other that the actual tar and grade? Do we see that the debris isn’t accumulating in there? He said that seems to be a relatively common thing and a fire hazard with all that slash.
Councilor Pomerleau asked Roger if you hit that bump with the plow are we responsible to fix it. Or, will we go back on the developer?
Roger said that it was a rough bump, but it shouldn’t hurt the plow. The biggest problem will be a frost heave.
Gordon Billington said that a performance bond was put in place to guaranty that the road will be put in back the right condition.
Chair Hopkins asked who holds the guaranty?
Mr. Billington said that he didn’t know.
Chair Hopkins said that we don’t have control over the Route 35 problem and this performance guaranty is for Lucky’s Run.
Councilor Christy said that the squeaky wheel get the grease.
Chair Hopkins said that she didn’t understand why they couldn’t put a temporary layer on that to take care of some of the issues through the winter. She said that she was concerned about the traffic and the travel there.
Councilor Christy said to Roger that there was a comment made by Mr. Orr about the garbage that is being left in these areas. He said that he didn’t want the general public to think that you would let things like that go by. He asked Roger what is Mr. Orr referring to when he says the garbage that is left there.
Roger Mosley said that he was not sure.
Councilor Christy said that is a general comment that was made and anyone that is watching it might think about a garbage bag and then he mentioned slash. So, there were two different connotations. Councilor Christy said that the integrity of your office is when you come forward with something like this you make sure the grading is appropriate. He noted that he tries to check these roads.
Roger Mosley said that he did hear the word slash and if it is out of the right-of-way it is not something that the town has jurisdiction over. He said that going in on this particular subdivision that the staging area where they have been doing their construction there are some materials left there. He said that this bond not drawn out and is not complete. He said that we have retained enough money for any of the remaining works that needs to be done. He said that as far as what one would call garbage or the reference to trash on the road--he was not aware of any.
Chair Hopkins said that they are requesting a reduction of $46,000 and you are recommending $39,600, which would leave a balance.
Roger said that after this reduction there would be a balance of about $27,000 which is the final paving, the gravel shoulders, monumentation, and erosion control.
Councilor Christy said that if there is slash left in the area will you ask that it be removed?
Roger Mosley said that it was a fifty foot right-of-way and he knew that more than sixty-feet has been cleared. If Mr. Orr is talking about wood cutting beyond the sixty-foot opening, that area is not inspected. He said that the sixty-foot area is clear. Beyond that is woods and that area is not addressed.
Councilor Russell said that he was not comfortable with the ‘speed bump’ issue. He said that we talked about plow trucks, but what happens when the frost heaves in the winter and a member of the public hits that thing. Does that create any liability to the Town?
Roger Mosley said that the liability would be on the state and the permit holder. He said that he would assume that the MDOT street opening is similar to a Town Street Opening that whoever holding the permit is required for the safety of it as well. He said that the enforcing agency is the MDOT.
Councilor Russell said that he would hate to see Chief Jordan there every other night pulling someone out of a destroyed car.
Chair Hopkins said that we have heard from a number of the Councilors that we are concerned about the safety in the winter months. She asked that be expressed even if it is in the form of a resolution to vote on. She said that the majority wants something accomplished there for the winter.
Councilor Simpson said he goes across that road every day. He said that the severity of it has been over blown. He said that it is rough but if you hit those two bridges over there and you have a serious problem. He said that this is nothing compared to the bridges. He that is what should be addressed.
Councilor Christy asked that the bridges be added to the letter to MDOT.
Mr. Billington said that he would bring that to their attention.
Councilor Pomerleau said we should let Portland Water District know about this also.
Chair Hopkins asked Mr. Billington to cc the Water District the letter the he sends to MDOT.
Councilor Pomerleau mentioned that there was a bad bump in the road in the area of his house.
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 5 Yeas 0 Nays
170-05 Award Bid for Removal of Clean Wood/Brush Waste and Wood Demolition [Pomerleau]
Councilor Pomerleau explained that we had four bids on this. He said that the bid was in two parts, the clean waste and the demolition. He said that if you added the two together Marshall’s Specialty Grinding was the low bidder on the two. He said that we had from $15.50 to $55 which is exactly why we go out to bid on this stuff.
Louis Stack said that he would like to see the fee schedule amended to reflect the savings on the clean wood waste. He said that he had heard that Sappi is trying to use wood demolition to burn. What would happen to our contract if we can get rid of it at no cost?
Councilor Pomerleau said that this is a two year bid.
Louis Stack asked if we are tied into this bid.
Chair Hopkins said that it is a two year contract and we would be committed for two years.
Louis Stack said that we should leave our options open.
William Orr said that his question was not answered. Do we make sure that the right-of-way that the Town assumes gets cleaned up when the final payment is issued?
Chair Hopkins said that she heard Mr. Mosley answer that question. That the road is clean in the right-of-way.
Councilor Christy said that this was talked about in committee. He said that Marshall came in with zero right now because the price is high for clean wood, but may change over time.
Councilor Pomerleau said that you can’t predict what will happen over time. He asked Roger what we were paying a couple of years ago.
Roger Mosley said that a few years ago brush was $19 and demolition was in the $35 range. He said that the volume of clean brush that was done in FY 2005 was just under 2,000 tons. At $1.50/ton you are talking $350 for clean wood. He went on to say that the demolition is ground and going out at $15.50/ton and is already going to an incineration plant. What Mr. Stack brought up is that there is potential when Sappi get on line there may be another outlet.
Chair Hopkins asked what is the current fee structure.
Mr. Billington cited the fees for the disposal of brush.
Chair Hopkins said the fee schedule is based on previous fees, now we are not being charged to dispose of clean wood waste. She said should we now amend the fee structure?
Roger Mosley asked that it be forwarded to the Recycling Committee. The fees we have now came out of that Committee. He said that one of the things that they look at is the revenues and expenses to try to balance that. He said that clean wood has taken care of itself in our fees, but demolition has not brought in the user fees. He said that we would like to keep that wood removal even though it is two separate piles in a somewhat neutral cost.
Councilor Simpson said that one of the things that the Recycling Committee has tried to do stay away from changing the fees each year to keep it from what can be a greatly fluctuating market.
In the recycling report said that the revenue price is right up there now due to the Chinese buying everything that they can. He noted that just a few years ago we were losing money.
Chair Hopkins said that when she was on the Finance Committee they made some major changes in the fee structure we used a ‘user fee’ approach. She said that she had a hard time not looking at that fee structure when we are not being charged for deposing of the brush. Since it is a two year contract a new fee would be in place for some time. She said that she would like these fees looked at.
Councilor Christy said that earlier we heard someone say that we are bombarded with fees and taxes. He said that it is nice to know that we are the second lowest tax rate in Cumberland County.
He said that two years ago it was $19 and now it is zero. He said that we should look at passing the savings on to the residents.
Councilor Pomerleau said that a lot of the fees are based on equipment and personnel needed. He said that they spend a lot of time in the brush pile with sorting and making sure the people are dumping in the right spot.
Councilor Christy asked that the Recycling and Finance Committee take a serious look at this.
Councilor Simpson said that they will look at it. He said that every year they look at the fees.
Councilor Christy said that it is a gesture to the residents.
Councilor Pomerleau said that maybe there could be a free day for wood a few times a year.
VOTE: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
171-05 Amendment to Personnel Policy – Sick Leave [Hopkins]
Chair Hopkins said that this came from a recent change in state law.
Mr. Orr asked how many sick days are allowed per year.
Chair Hopkins said that the use in sick time has changed not the number of days.
VOTE: 5 Yes – 0 Nays
172-05 Town Council Appointment to Various Boards/Committees [Hopkins]
Chair Hopkins said that the Appointments Committee conducted interviews for all of these positions. She said that there were a lot of new people that came forward as well as longtime residents became involved.
VOTE: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
174-05 Appointments - Town Council Confirmation of Political Parties Nomination of Ballot Clerks [Hopkins]
VOTE: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
175-05 Emergency Amendment to Standish Town Code – General Assistance Ordinance [Hopkins]
Chair Hopkins said that this is done each year, however, this year there have been some major changes to the schedules.
Mr. Billington noted the increases across the board are about 8-9 percent. He said that the number of gallons of fuel someone can get has not changed but the cost allowed has.
Chair Hopkins said that this information is sent to us so late that we have to do an Emergency Ordinance while the regular ordinance is going through the process.
VOTE: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
176-05 Amendment to Standish Town Code – General Assistance Ordinance (Introduction) [Hopkins]
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Pomerleau and Voted to waive the Clerks Reading of the order. (Unanimous)
Moved Seconded and Voted to move this item on to First Reading at the November meeting of the Council. (Unanimous)
Moved by Simpson Seconded by Pomerleau and Voted to add order 178-05 TOWN COUNCIL CHAIR APPOINTMENTS TO COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEESto the agenda. (Unanimous)
Moved by Pomerleau Seconded Christy by and Voted to amend the order as follows:
Capital Improvements Committee |
Economic Development |
Finance Committee |
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Lymburner |
Christy -Chair |
Lymburner |
Pomerleau-Chair |
Russell |
Simpson-Chair |
Russell |
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Russell |
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Ordinance Committee |
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Christy-Chair |
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Lymburner |
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|
Pomerleau |
(Uninamous) |
VOTED ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays
PUBLIC ITEMS
Louis Stack said that he wanted to thank Phil Pomerleau for setting up the Capital Improvements and Comprehensive Plan Committee joint meeting. He said that he wanted to make another comment to the bump in the road. He said that he did not think that it was over blown. There is not a thing that marks it as a bump.
William Orr said that since we have an annual budget the fee schedule should be reviewed annually.
Councilor Simpson said that the Finance and Recycling Committee look at the fees and it’s not by the seat of the pants. He said that they look at all what it is that it is costing us, we don’t reach in a hat and pull it out.
Councilor Pomerleau explained that his granddaughter came home with her new fire hat from the fire safety program held in school today. He said if you don’t think it works—she explained to him and his customer what she learned today. She repeated it to another two of his employees. When stuff like this happens in school it all gets passed on.
Councilor Christy explained that the church the burnt last year served as a food distribution location. There is a void in that area now and he was scared to think about that with the upcoming winter.
Chair Hopkins asked that the Town Manager as part of his report next month go over this topic.
Councilor Russell asked that in the letter that is sent to DOT that a request for some kind of signage be posted in the area to alert motorists of the bump.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Several upcoming meetings were announced.
Chair Hopkins said that the Senior Housing Committee will meet with the Comprehensive Planning Committee, with Councilor Christy to and the Ordinance Committee; and they will be touring four facilities.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (S)
There was not an executive session at this meeting.
ADJOURN
Moved Christy Seconded Simpson and Voted to Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm by unanimous consent.
Submitted by: ________________________________
Clerk/Secretary
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