Work Session
December 8, 2008
Present were Mayor Bertrand, Councilors McCue, Cayer, Lafleur, Remillard, and Poulin (6:40 p.m.); absent were Councilors Donovan, Evans and Goudreau.
Marion Huntley, Blandine Shallow, Michael Perreault, John Moulis, Pat MacQueen, media, and public also attended.
CIP
Projects and Priorities
Mr. MacQueen reported that there were some new projects to add to the CIP and a few that had changes. There were new sheets for: completing an access from Unity to Shelby Street; telephone system replacement for the Fire Department; rebuilding Hutchins Street from Napert Village to 12th Street Bridge; Rotary Park boat ramp; the Honeywell lease; and extending sewer to Route 110. Changes were made to GF-44 School Bus Replacement and this creates a replacement schedule for buses.
With regard to GF-21, the Route 110 Project, the State would like the City to vote to commit to their share of costs for the requested route (4e). The City would be committing approximately $2 million. Councilor Poulin entered the meeting at this time.
Mr. MacQueen indicated that the schools have mentioned Parking off High Street and a proposal for a new school but no project sheets were received for these.
Reviewing the projects, Mayor Bertrand asked if the fire alarm system is still used and Mr. MacQueen explained that it serves about 35 businesses and the schools. He acknowledged that there is no requirement to have the system. The best approach would be that the users support the system through user fees.
Mayor Bertrand established that he views the projects in three categories with the first being ongoing projects that the City has to continue, then there are items that putting off will cost the city money. The final category is the wish list.
Councilor McCue asked if there are any of the projects that have time constraints with respect to funding. Mr. MacQueen responded that there is no doubt that the Federal government will have money for public works projects soon after the first of the year. These projects have to be engineered and ready to go at that time.
Further discussion brought forward the prison sewer project as the city's first priority for engineering. Bringing water and sewer to Route 110 and Unity Street access to Shelby Street were seen as having the potential for economic development and planning for future growth. Wright Pierce will be sending a proposal for I & I.
Budget Goals
Mr. MacQueen corrected the percentage of non-bonded capital spending in the last year which was reported at 9.3% but was actually 6.6%. The CIP as presented, would have the City spending 16% of its budget on capital. Maintaining the existing tax rate would mean that budgets would have to be cut 3 to 5% and the CIP would need to remain where it was last year. The City Manager asked for direction on whether to cut operations to fund an increase in capital spending.
Councilor Poulin expressed that the tax rate should remain the same and the CIP kept in the range of where it is this year. Mayor Bertrand asked Councilors to review the first year CIP projects and come back with a list of items that they feel cannot be cut. Mr. MacQueen stated that 70% of the budget is salaries and benefits and to stay even the budget will have to be cut $800,000 to $1,000,000.
Councilor McCue suggested that the ufb be funded at 5%; capital spending at 10% and then see what it would take to keep the same tax rate. Councilors conceded that this is the direction for the new budget.
Mr. MacQueen confirmed that in order for the tax rate to remain flat it will be necessary to trim 3 to 5% from the existing budget. He noted that he will ask the departments for alternative budgets, one cutting 3 to 5%, one flat and one with a small increase. The CIP goal is 10% and UFB 5%.
Other
Councilor Poulin commented that a constituent reported to him that he had approached the city about revamping the business sign that is at Veteran's Park on the corner of Diana Street. The constituent was under the impression that the sign was grandfathered and would never be taken down. He was willing to fix the existing dilapidated sign at his expense, and would add his business signage as well as a reader board for events. This person was turned down by city officials with no explanation.
Mr. MacQueen explained that he became aware of the dilapidated condition of the sign several years ago. Attempts to contact the owner were unsuccessful; however State Scenic Byways who licenses the sign every year was contacted. The State department indicated that they need permission from the owner's of the land to have a sign in the scenic byway. The state had permits and paperwork on the sign and it was found that the person who approved the sign on the City's behalf had the same name as the motel owner.
The current status of the sign is that it was not licensed this year by the State and the owner of the land (the City) does not want it on their property. There is some federal law that applies to all signs in the scenic byway that says if a sign is not licensed; the State will take it down.
Councilor McCue expressed concern that the sign is a small part of the problem; the big problem is the business. Mayor Bertrand added that it doesn't matter who takes the sign down but for now, we have the worst case which is the ugly sign at the entrance to the city. The Council conceded that the sign should not be in a city park and should be taken down.
Mayor Bertrand focused on the need to have information requests, and offers in writing so that they don't change as they move through the process. Councilor Remillard encouraged that such issues be taken to the City Manager prior to the meetings. T
There being no further business Councilor Poulin moved to adjourn; Councilor Cayer seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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