Town Council Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Olson and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
Councilors present: Blanck, Higgins, Nesbitt, Olson, Ordway and Sargent.
Councilor Pomerleau was excused.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (S)
The minutes from the January 12 meeting were approved by unanimous consent after these amendments:
Page 2: He brought forward that the Council may want to consider a review of the review of the Fund Balance Policy.
Page 4: Councilor Higgins - added that there will be more meetings for the BAC, so there will be ample opportunity for people to participate.
Page 2: He continued to explain that this provides for a cost analysis to extend a water public water supply versus private water supply.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
There were no petitions or communications at this meeting.
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Mr. Billington spoke on the following topics:
The Fire Department will take delivery of a new ambulance in April.
The Public Works Department has a loader that was out of commission, however, they have made the necessary repairs.
Mr. Billington introduced Captain Goulet of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department to introduce the Standish patrol deputies to the group.
Captain Goulet introduced Deputy Ashley Hall and Deputy Rafael Mendoza, he also noted that Sargent Ambrose, the duty supervisor was in attendance tonight. He explained that Deputy Hall received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of New Haven. She graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy in 2009. She started her career with the City of Saco Police Department, she started working for CCSD in 2013, most recently as the contract deputy in the Town of Harrison. Deputy Hall is a drug recognition expert, which is training to determine when drivers are impaired by substances other than alcohol. She is a field training officer, an OUI training officer, a radar instructor, a member of the Emergency Services Unit and the leader of the Explorer Program. Her shift in Standish, is Tuesday through Friday from 5 pm – 3 am. She is newly married to a law enforcement officer working in another community. He explained that Deputy Mendoza was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in the Bronx, New York. Deputy Mendoza served seven years in the Navy as aircraft mechanic. He joined the CCSD in 2011 starting as a corrections officer at the jail, he was hired as a patrol deputy in 2015 and graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy in December 2015. He is completing his FTO program this week and will be getting official schedule next week. He’ll be patrolling in Standish on Monday and Tuesday from 9 pm until 7 am; on Saturday and Sunday from 5 pm until 3 am. He noted that Deputy Mendoza is married and has a 6-year old girl.
Captain Goulet expressed Sheriff Joyce’s regrets that he was unable to be at the meeting this evening, as he is away on vacation.
Sergeant Ambrose said that it is his opinion that the Town of Standish is fortunate to have these two deputies patrolling due to their life experiences.
Mr. Billington mentioned that Bud Benson is spending a lot of time working on the beach project. A marine guard unit from Portland Oregon will be assisting the town in the effort this summer. The town has been working on the design of the buildings, privies, and a design for the attendant’s booth. Recent discussions have considered constructing the building footings now so construction can start as soon as the guard unit arrives. Mr. Billington wanted to acknowledge the work that Bud Benson has put into this project.
Bud Benson presented a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the Planning Departments assistance they provide to residents and developers.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6-16 Application submitted by Daniel Roberts/DDZC dba Maine Street Grill located at 1 Ossipee Trail East for renewal of a Malt, Spirituous and Vinous Restaurant License [Olson]
Chair Olson explained that the application was in order.
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were none.
Chair Olson called for Council comments: there were none.
After a Public Hearing without additional public or Council discussion the Council voted on the application and the hearing was closed.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
7-16 Application submitted by Daniel Roberts/DDZC dba Maine Street Grill located at 1 Ossipee Trail East for renewal of Special Amusement Permit [Olson]
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were none.
Chair Olson called for Council comments: there were none.
After a Public Hearing without public or Council discussion the Council voted on the permit application and the hearing was closed.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
8-16 Application submitted by Daniel Roberts/DDZC dba Maine Street Grill located at 1 Ossipee Trail East for renewal of a Pool Room License [Olson]
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were none
Chair Olson called for Council comments: Councilor Higgins noted that the application needed the notation of pool room checked.
After a Public Hearing without additional public or Council discussion the Council voted on the permit application and the hearing was closed.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilor Blanck mentioned that the Ordinance Committee is currently working on the Form Based Code regulations for Steep Falls Village; Cluster and Conservation subdivision regulations; a Commercial Recreation Ordinance; and Road Acceptance Procedures. Many of these items are being reviewed by outside entities and will come before the Council at a later date.
Councilor Sargent noted that the Capital Improvements Committee didn’t meet is month, however, due to past work of the committee the new ambulance should be delivered in April.
Councilor Nesbitt explained that the Beach Committee has turned the work on the beach to town staff. A meeting will be scheduled in the future with the committee members to get a status update.
Councilor Higgins briefed them on recycling efforts, she announced that the Bottles for Fuel program is accepting donations and the deadline to submit an application to ecomaine for their eco-Excellence Award is February 12.
Councilor Ordway commented that the MSAD 6 Budget Advisory Committee has a vacancy which should be filled by a Standish Resident.
Councilor Nesbitt announced that the Finance Committee reports that finances are where they are expected to be at this time of year. He noted that excise tax and state revenue sharing amounts are up. The fee schedule will be brought forward later this evening.
CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no items on the Consent Calendar.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
108-15 Amendment to Town of Standish Fee Schedule (Postposed at the November 10, 2015 Meeting) [Nesbitt]
Councilor Nesbitt informed them that the Finance Committee met with town staff to obtain information relating to the fee schedule. Councilor Nesbitt highlighted the changes including an amendment relating to the fee for a run-sheet for dispatch which had been omitted from the memo.
Moved by Nesbitt seconded by Sargent to add the fee for run sheets of $5 for the first page and .45¢ for each additional page. (Unanimous)
Councilor Sargent noted that the intercept fee is to mirror what other towns are charging and we’re being billed.
VOTE ON ORDER AS AMENDED: 6 Yeas
A copy of the Finance Department memo is included at the end of these minutes.
9-16 Call for Public Hearing for the FY 2017 Municipal Budget [Olson]
Chair Olson noted that this hearing is an annual event that kicks off the budget process.
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were none.
Chair Olson called for Council comments: there were none.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
10-16 Resolution Establishing Standish Parks and Recreational Facilities as Tabaco Free Zones [Olson]
Moved by Sargent seconded by Ordway and voted to dispense the Clerk’s reading of the order. (Unanimous)
Recreation Director, Jen DeRice introduced Janet Richards the Health Coordinators from Opportunity Alliance to speak to this matter.
Janet Richards a prevention specialists for Opportunity Alliance explained that there are 72 cities or towns that have adopted an ordinance or resolution on tobacco-free zones. Ms. Richards explained that there is funding from her group to make and install signs alerting the residents of the tobacco-free zone. She mentioned that all the town that have initiated the program have had positive feedback regarding the program.
Councilor Higgins asked if there were numbers regarding how many towns have ordinances versus resolutions.
Ms. Richards said most town have resolutions. She went on to say that she has not heard any negative feedback, and in fact, most people enjoy areas being smoke free. She also noted the environment impact of less litter from cigarette butts on recreational is appreciated.
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were no additional comments.
Chair Olson called for Council comments: there were no additional comments.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
11-16 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 252, Streets and Sidewalks, Section 252-27, Development of Roadway and Sidewalk Plans (Introduction) [Blanck]
Moved by Blanck seconded by Ordway and voted to dispense the Clerk’s reading of the order. (Unanimous)
Councilor Blanck introduced that amendment is an update to our ordinance to reference the PACTS Land Use Plan.
Councilor Nesbitt suggested that the map of the area be included with the order to show the actual changes. He also noted that he has requested that Mr. Benson email notice of this amendment to those that neighbors that had previously been interested in the plan.
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were no additional comments.
Chair Olson called for Council comments: there were no additional comments.
VOTE to move to First Reading:
4 Yeas, Nesbitt, Olson, Ordway, and Sargent – Nays, Higgins
12-16 Authorize Standish Memorial Post 128 of the American Legion to Hold a Charity Toll on Moody Road [Olson]
Chair Olson disclosed that this is an annual fund raising event held by the legion.
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were none.
Chair Olson called for Council comments: there were none.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
13-16 Authorize Consent Agreement – Webber – Map 71 Lot 26 [Olson]
Town Manager, Gordon Billington explained that this is needed due to the purchase of some land from the Webber’s. At the time the town purchased land adjacent to Standish Memorial Field last fall, as result of that purchase, we had to adjust the subdivision line which changed the Webber’s road frontage. That action made their non-conforming garage more non-conforming. He explained that the agreement is actually to benefit the town as much as it benefits the Webber’s.
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were no additional comments.
Chair Olson called for Council comments: there were no comments.
Chair Olson announced that this will resolve the setback issue for ever more.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
14-16 Acceptance of Sidewalk Easement from Steep Falls Village Improvement Society [Olson]
Gordon Billington explained that during the Steep Falls Bridge construction project the sidewalk was moved to the Village Green side of Route 11 causing a slight encroachment to the Village Improvement Societies property. He noted that the Society is graciously granting the easement.
Chair Olson explained that this action eliminates issues in the future.
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were no additional comments.
Chair Olson called for Council comments: there were no comments.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
15-16 Acceptance of Drainage Easement from Davis & Hanscom, Inc. [Olson]
Mr. Billington noted that this is similar circumstances to the previous order. We needed to relocate some catch basins for better drainage due to the sidewalk construction.
Mr. Blanck asked if this relating to the office building.
Mr. Billington said that it was.
Chair Olson called for public comments: there were no additional comments.
Chair Olson called for Council comments: there were no additional comments.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Olson mentioned that in the audience this evening there is a Boy Scout monitoring the meeting for the process of earning a merit badge. She asked that he come to the podium and explain the process.
Ian Rona from Boy Scout Troup 875 explained that he and others are working towards requirements of a “merit badge college” where they work each month to obtain a particular badge.
Several upcoming meetings were announced.
Councilor Blanck advised the audience that the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department offers the Senior Neighbor Awareness Program known as SNAP. This program is administered by the VIPS, the way it works, is those that have signed up that are 60 years old or older, receive a daily wellness call. If the senior doesn’t pick up on the first call, 15-minutes later another call is made to their home, if there is still no response a visit is made to the senior’s home. Council Blanck requested that the SNAP brochure be posted to our website. He said that the seniors that are on the roster enjoy the daily call.
Councilor Ordway noted that the state has recently released the list of unclaimed property. He said that interested parties can go online to check the list.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chair Olson noted that the Council will move into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, there will be no Council action after the meeting.
Moved by Nesbitt seconded by Sargent and voted to move into Executive Session for the Discussion of personnel matters pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6) (A), in addition the town manager will join them in the Executive Session. (Unanimous)
Moved Seconded and voted to arise from the Executive Session. The Council arose from the Executive Session by unanimous consent at 9:30 p.m. and the meeting was adjourned.