April 16, 2007
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Danderson, Councilors Lafleur, Cusson, Grenier, Donovan and Roy; Councilors Poulin, Nelson, and Danderson were absent. Staff members present were: Blandine Shallow, Ernie Allain, Pat MacQueen, and Brian Valerino. Guests included Jim Wheeler, Linda Morris, Aline Boucher, media and public.
Impressions of Care
Jim Wheeler introduced a project that came out of a recent design charette which focused on ways to improve the physical appearance of the hospital and the result was that a lot could be done on Page Hill Road. Financed with donations and fundraising, a sidewalk on Hutchins Street going to the hospital is proposed. The intent is to put lighting based on the City's period lighting plan and in the future trees could be included as well. Another element is that there will be four pocket parks, with benches, plantings, engraved pavers, and bricks. At the Corner of Hutchins and Page Hill Road there will be a new AVH sign. Councilor Donovan entered the meeting at this time.
Mr. Wheeler noted that some of the sidewalk will end up in the public way and he is looking for the City's permission to use some of the public way. He stressed that no public or hospital funds will be used for this project; it is strictly funded with grants, gifts and fundraising
Council members expressed their enthusiasm for the project saying that it will be a welcome addition. Councilor Lafleur asked about maintenance and Mr. Wheeler indicated that he realizes the position the city is in and the hospital intends to maintain the new sidewalk as part of its regular routine. Mr. MacQueen made it clear that this will be a city sidewalk and anything in the right of way would be the citys. By accepting a city sidewalk, the city would be accepting responsibility if the hospital is not in the position to maintain the sidewalk.
Councilor Grenier moved to accept the proposal and allow work to be done on the City's right of way; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Boucher mentioned that there will be an open house at AVH and all are invited to attend.
Properties not to Tax Deed
Ms. Shallow explained that there are six properties, four belonging to Pulp and Paper of America and two belonging to Arthur Desrosiers, that she is requesting the Council to waive tax deed on. Our attorneys have advised that there is a stay on properties in bankruptcy.
Councilor Grenier moved to proceed with tax deeding with the exception of Maps/Lots130-0158.000, 130-0169.000 belonging to Desrosier and Maps/Lots 128-0262.000, 133-0105.000, 134-0006.000, 134-0009.000 from Pulp & Paper of American; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Resolution Rural Development Funds
Andre Caron reported that the City will re-apply for rural development money. The application is expected to fair better because there is $350,000 of CDBG grant money that we can use for matching funds. The RDG grant would have $200,000 for demolition. We will use the recent fires to prove our point that de-densification is necessary. Councilor Grenier suggested calling Steve Griffin who sits on the CDFA Board, to be sure he supports the project.
Hiring Freeze Committee
Councilor Grenier moved to enter into the Hiring Freeze Committee; Councilor Lafleur seconded and the motion carried with Councilor Donovan voting against
Ernie Allain proposed to fill a laborer position in the Public Works Department. Councilor Grenier questioned the move stating that we could be in a position that we are short mechanics because there is one mechanic that works almost full time on police vehicles.
Councilor Grenier noted that there are a lot of tough budget decisions to be made in the coming weeks and he would like a periodic report of what the mechanics are working on and what departments they serve. If there is a demonstrated need, we may need to hire a mechanic.
Councilor Lafleur moved to hire a laborer; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Lafler moved to come out of the hiring freeze committee; Councilor Grenier seconded and the motion carried.
Public Works Projects
Green Street. The Green Street project will continue this summer and the plan calls for the street to be open in August of 2007 providing the railroad completes re-routing. That would leave the final completion for 2008.
Hillside Ave Sidewalks. The sidewalks were re-bid and came in at $286,000 which is way above the estimated cost. There was only one bidder and, through negotiation, a lump sum of $170,000 was agreed to. All the west side of Hillside to Spruce Street and Madison to High on the east side will be done through the contract. The remaining sidewalk will be done in house as time and money allow.
Mason Street. The Mason Street deck project is out to bid and will result in a bridge closure from May 15 to June 30. Councilor Grenier confirmed that the cement will be evaluated at the time of the project.
Glen Avenue. The street will be re-paved from the city line on Glen Avenue to Milan. The work will put the crown back in the road and should result in better drainage. Mr. Allain confirmed that there are no plans to change the configuration of the island at Cleveland Bridge and Glen Avenue; it was designed for trucks to make the turn.
Laborer Pool. Mr. Allain indicated that there are times in the winter when the public works department could use one or two workers. It was suggested that they could get workers from a labor pool through the Department of Employment Security.
Mr. MacQueen asked if the Revaluation of Portland Natural Gas Transmission System could be added to the agenda. Councilor Lafleur so moved, Councilor Roy seconded and the motion carried.
Traffic Safety -Brown School
Councilor Roy stated that there is a safety issue at Brown School with traffic and children crossing the street. He acknowledged that parking along Riverside Drive and the situation with buses are two separate issues.
Mr. MacQueen noted that the Traffic Safety Committee was looking for authorization to try blocking the traffic on Norway Street so that buses can go by exclusively. Councilor Grenier confirmed that we would block 7th St. going north and 8 St south so that the buses could go unimpeded. He thought it was an idea that would work. He also stated that if we want to discourage parking on Riverside Drive, it should be implemented in September when school re-opens.
Councilor Roy reasoned that perhaps a temporary crosswalk that is only in place when school lets out might work. Councilor Cusson suggested that if cars are not allowed to park along the west side of Riverside Drive, a student unloading area could be created there.
PNGTS
Mr. MacQueen reported that the City recently contracted with Skip Sansoucy to carry out a revaluation for all utilities with the exception of PNGTS at a cost of $109,000. The Board of Assessors recently met with Mr. Sansoucy and they agreed to retain him to do the revaluation of PNGTS. If the Council agrees, we would then need to award the remaining portion under the contract or $14,000. Councilor Grenier moved to award the remaining portion of the contract; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Other
Councilor Grenier noted that he asked about reconnection fees being charged to the city's Welfare Department by the BWW. He asked that the Mayor, as an ex-officio on the Water Commissioner should ask for reimbursement of $350 of reconnection fees. On behalf of welfare recipients, paying for water usage is fair but the city should not have to pay the reconnect fee.
There being no further business in the work session, Councilor Roy moved to adjourn to the regular meeting; Councilor Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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