DRAFT--Minutes are not official until approved by the Town Council - DRAFT
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STANDISH, MAINE
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008
STANDISH MUNICIPAL CENTER 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
Chair Stack called the meeting to order. The secretary called roll. All Councilors were present.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (S)
The minutes from the February 12th, 25th and March 4th meetings were approved by unanimous consent.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
There were no petitions or communications at this meeting.
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Mr. Billington explained that the roads have been posted for heavy weights. That limitation should last until the end of April. He said that the roads are quite beaten up from the winter. He explained that the Public Works crew is working hard to repair potholes as they find them. The public can call the Public Works Department at 642-3461 extension 221 to report potholes.
Mr. Billington said that every two years the town is asked by the Department of Transportation to help prioritize roads regarding improvements on state highways in the municipality. He read the list of improvement sites that would be forwarded to the state. A copy of this list is available at the town offices.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mr. Billington presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Fiscal Year 2009 Municipal Budget. He explained that copies of the budget are available on the web site or paper copies are available at the town hall. He noted that the Council review of the budget will kick-off Thursday beginning at 5:00 pm in Council Chambers where they will go over various town departments.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilor Pomerleau explained that Capital Improvements met and an agenda item regarding a bid will be discussed later this evening.
Councilor Pomerleau said they attended a meeting in the Town of Sebago regarding joining with Sebago to perhaps help establish a new fire station in the Wards Cove area. He said that it would be a similar situation as to what we have at the North Gorham Fire Station.
Councilor Christy said that the Standish PWD Steering Committee continues to meet, but there is nothing definitive to bring to the Council at this time. He said that they will meet again this Thursday at 10:00 am at the town offices.
Councilor Christy said that he agreed with Councilor Pomerleau’s statements regarding the meeting with the Town of Sebago.
Councilor Spencer said that the Appointments Committee is trying to find a Finance Director. She noted that there are two openings on the Budget Committee.
Chair Stack said that the Finance Committee reports that excise tax revenues are down 6 % to 7%. He noted that due to the number of storms this winter, that the Highway Department will be experiencing overruns in salaries, contract plowing; and salt and sand. He went on the say that the EMS revenues are up substantially this year.
Chair Stack said that the review of the manager’s budget will start this week.
Chair Stack said that the Open Space and Conservation Committee reviewed the visions, goals, policies and implementation strategies for the items of natural resources; historic and cultural resources; and recreation and scenic resources.
Councilor Spencer said that the last meeting of the Community Center Study Group will meet this Thursday at 7:00 pm here in Council Chambers.
Councilor Pomerleau said that the Route 113 Corridor Committee met recently at the new tourist information bureau in Fryeburg. He said that they decided to buy one of the lights. What that will do is highlight the businesses and points of interest along the Pequawket Trail Scenic By-way. He said that part of the discussion at that meeting was regarding the rail system. Unfortunately, the Standish attendees had to leave the meeting due to another commitment, so it is hoped that a state representative will come to Standish and present the study to the Council.
Councilor Newbegin said that the Ordinance Committee will meet to discuss contract zoning, accessory dwelling units, blasting ordinance and signage issues.
Councilor Biegel said that the Economic Development Committee has been busy getting out the business surveys. She said that they have tried to hand deliver as many as they could, although, some will be sent through the mail. She encouraged any business that did not receive a survey to contact town hall and have one mailed to them or complete the online survey. She said that the Committee members have visited many businesses and have learned that business is very slow. She said that she would encourage anyone to buy locally if they can. She said that her eyes have been open as to all the different businesses that exist in Standish. She said that you can really accomplish quite a lot by shopping in Standish.
Councilor Biegel said that Steep Falls has made it through the first two phases of the Cumberland County Community Block Grant development program. She said that it seems that the Steep Falls Library might be getting a grant of $31,000. She said that it still has to get the stamp of approval by the County Commissioners’. She said that being eligible for this grant has made them eligible for other forms of potential funding. She said at a Special Council meeting the Council approved an order for a landscape architect to work with the Steep Falls Community members to develop a plan for the park that is on Route 113. She explained that a meeting will be held at the Steep Falls Library to hear how the citizens of Steep Falls would like to have that park function. She said that she
hoped that members of the public will attend.
CONSENT CALENDAR
20-08 Authorize Street Name – El Shaddai Drive [Stack]
21-08 Appoint of Ballot Clerks – Town Council of Confirmation of Political Parties Nomination of Ballot Clerks [Spencer]
Councilor Christy said that he would like the Ordinance Committee to investigate guidelines for naming streets in the town. He said that he has suggested in the past naming streets after those who have fallen in war.
Councilor Newbegin agreed with Councilor Christy’s statement, but he wondered if there should be a distinction between private and public roads?
VOTE ON CONSENT CALENDAR: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
163-07 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Land Use, Add Section 181-11, Contract Zoning (First Reading) (Moved to Ordinance Committee at the 1/8/08 Council Meeting) [Newbegin]
This item remained on the table.
164-07 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Land Use, Multiple Sections Regarding Accessory Apartments (First Reading) (Moved to Ordinance Committee at the 2/11/08 Council Meeting) [Newbegin]
This item remained on the table.
11-08 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 263, Vehicles and Traffic, Parking and Weight Limit Restrictions, Section 263, Prohibited Parking (First Reading) [Stack]
This item was voted to Public Hearing at the April meeting. (Unanimous)
NEW BUSINESS
22-08 Authorize American Legion Post 128 to Hold Charity Toll on Moody Road [Newbegin]
Councilor Newbegin said that he would urged the Council to support this and asked that the citizens of Standish to support this cause.
Albert Springer representing the American Legion said that the Post would like the opportunity to do this as a fund raiser. He explained the history of the Post; the hope is that this will give them exposure to gain members and an opportunity to raise a few dollars. He explained that in the future they hope to hold bingo games as a fund raiser. He noted that the Post provided funding for two students to attend Boys/Girls State; they help the scouts and other community efforts. He said as Service Officer for the Post he assists veterans obtaining benefits that they might be eligible for.
Councilor Christy asked what are the qualifications for being a member of the American Legion?
Albert Springer said that a person would have had to serve in the armed services during a time of war to be a member of the American Legion. There are no requirements for a spouse to serve in the auxiliary.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
23-08 Waive No Parking Restriction on Saco Road for Bonny Eagle Car Show [Stack]
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
24-08 Waive No Parking Restriction on Saco Road for Senior Last Assembly [Stack]
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
25-08 Amend Council Order 6-08 Which Authorizes Charter Commission Referendum [Newbegin]
Councilor Newbegin said that this is a recommendation from the Ordinance Committee to update the Charter since the there has not been a review of this document since 1993.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
26-08 Town Council Appointment – Budget Committee [Spencer]
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
27-08 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 3, Administration of Government, Article III, Town Council, Section 3-10, Communications: Attendance at Meetings [Newbegin]
Councilor Newbegin said that this was discussed in the Ordinance Committee. He explained that the amount is the average in the area as shown on the attached sheet. He said that this is well over due. He recommended that is order is approved.
Moved to First Reading at the April meeting. (Unanimous)
28-08 Approve Bid and Authorize Contract for Waste Hauling Services [Pomerleau]
Councilor Pomerleau said that the Town received three bids on this issue. He said that they went with R.W. Herrick the law bidder, a local business and he has held the most recent contract.
VOTE: 7 Yeas – 0 Nays
PUBLIC ITEMS
Councilor Newbegin asked that the Transfer Station and recycling issues be the topic of an upcoming workshop.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Several upcoming meetings were announced.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (S)
An executive session was not needed at this meeting.
Moved by Christy seconded by Newbegin and voted to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm by unanimous consent.
Submitted by: _____________________________
Secretary/Clerk
PLEASE NOTE: THESE MINUTES ARE NOT VERBATIM. A VIDEO RECORDING OF THE MEETING IS AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS
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