DRAFT--MINUTES ARE NOT OFICIAL UNTIL APPROUVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL-DRAFT
MINUTES
SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STANDISH, MAINE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2007
STANDISH MUNICIPAL CENTER 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Stack and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
The roll was called by the secretary. All Councilors were present.
NEW BUSINESS
136-07 Authorize Change Order to Community Center Building Contract [Spencer]
Councilor Spencer gave an overview of the need for this order which was based on Army Corp of Engineers evaluation of the building site located at the corner or Northeast and Moody Roads. She noted that if this is approved, the cost of the study would come from funds in the Community Center account.
Councilor Burgess that he would not vote in favor of this due to the status of the other property and not wanting to spend anymore money on this project.
Councilor Pomerleau said that he too would vote against this because he didn’t think that the Town Hall site was a favorable one for many reasons.
Councilor Christy said that he knew the Committee has worked very hard but would like them look for additional sites where ball fields could be located at the facility. He said that he would probably vote no on this.
Councilor Newbegin said that he agreed with the statements that had been made so far. He questioned how do we stop spending money on this project and does the current contract cover a different site.
Gordon Billington said that there would need to be a change order to the contract if you retain this architect.
Chair Stack questioned the funds left in the site plan portion of the contract.
Linda Brooks the Recreation Director said that there is funding available under the collaterals portion of the contract. She noted that that they waited for the report of the Army Corp of Engineers before moving forward.
Chair Stack said that he would not vote in favor of this because he didn’t voter in favor of it before and would not vote for an amendment to it.
Councilor Pomerleau voiced his concerns regarding the amount that has been spent on this contract so far.
Councilor Stack questioned if there has been a site survey done.
Linda Brooks said that a survey was done and that is how the wet lands were discovered. She said that the contract also includes the design of the building. She said that a business plan was a charge of the contract which was completed. She said that the bills that have been received cover services that have been provided. She said that this site was suggested to the committee and they decided to look into it before ruling it out.
Chair Stack asked if a boundary survey had been completed.
Linda Brooks said that was not sure if there was boundary survey done.
Chair Stack said that he would be voting against this because it duplicates facilities that are already available in town. He said that we need to spend money on things that we really need.
Councilor Burgess said that the purchase of the property should have been contingent on the results of the surveys.
VOTE: 1 Yea – 6 Nays, Biegel, Burgess, Christy, Newbegin, Pomerleau and Stack.
137-07 Authorize Use of Economic Development Funds for Tower Publishing Information [Biegel]
Councilor Biegel explained that this will help the Economic Development Committee complete two surveys. The first will be to assess the business climate followed by a consumer survey to determine what residents want. She gave details of a survey that was used by the City of Waterville for a similar cause. She went on to state that since Standish has been selected for the Model Town Program, GrowSmart Maine will facilitate developing a survey with assistance from St. Joseph’s College. She noted that Standish does not have a business directory. Tower Publishing does offer this information and can provide it on a disk to us. She noted that there are monies in the line item budget that could be used to acquire this information. She said that she hoped that this item would be supported.
VOTE: 7 Yeas -0 Nays
Ronald Richardson voiced his concerns regarding the Community Center; he noted that issues need to be looked at closely before entering into projects; cost of membership for residents to use the Community Center; he went on to touch on many other items of concern to him.
Mr. Billington noted that the County of Cumberland will hold a public hearing here on October 31 at 1:30 pm as required prior to the November election.
Chair Stack said that a workshop will follow tonight’s meeting.
ADJOURN
Moved Christy by Seconded Spencer and voted to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 by unanimous consent.
Submitted by: ________________________
Clerk/Secretary
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