Town of Mount Desert
Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2014
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held this date in the Meeting room, Town Hall, Northeast Harbor, Maine.
Those present included: Chairman John Macauley; Selectmen Martha Dudman, Matt Hart, Tom Richardson and Dennis Shubert; staff members Town Manager Durlin Lunt, Treasurer Kathi Mahar, Public Works Director Tony Smith, Fire Chief Mike Bender, Harbormaster John Lemoine; and members of the public.
I. Call to order at 6:30 p.m.
Chairman Macauley called the meeting to order at 6:29 p.m.
II. Public Hearing(s)
None
III. Minutes
A. Approval of minutes from May 19, 2014 meeting.
MOTION: Selectman Richardson moved, seconded by Selectman Hart, to approve the minutes from May 19, 2014 meeting. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
IV. Appointments/Recognitions/Resignations
A. Recognize Highway Superintendent Ben Jacobs ‘Supervisory Leadership Certificate
MOTION: Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Dudman, with compliments from the Board of Selectman to recognize Highway Superintendent Ben Jacobs ‘Supervisory Leadership Certificate. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
V. Consent Agenda (These items are considered routine, and therefore, may be passed by the Selectmen in one blanket motion. Board members may remove any item for discussion by requesting such action prior to consideration of that portion of the agenda.)
A. Planning Board Minutes March 13, April 23, and May 14, 2014
B. Marine Management Committee Minutes May 13, 2014
C. Board of Selectmen Southwest Harbor Letter of Support for Hancock County Charter Commission
D. Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and Study Meetings Wednesday, June 11, 2014
MOTION: Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Dudman, to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
VI. Selectmen’s Reports
None presented.
VII. Old Business
None presented.
VIII. New Business
A. Request for Maine DOT Sign from Quietside Chamber of Commerce
MOTION: Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Dudman, to approve the request for a Maine DOT Sign from Quietside Chamber of Commerce.
DISCUSSION: Selectman Hart recognized Kristin Hutchins, Board member of the Southwest Harbor & Tremont Chamber of Commerce and she described the location for the placement of the sign as two tenths of a mile from the intersection of Rts 102 and 198. Selectman Hart acknowledged that Southwest Harbor is struggling with repercussions from road construction leading into town. And although he thinks assisting our neighbors is a positive, he has a few concerns with the placement of the sign. It appears to him that the sign would be pointing people out of town [Mount Desert] and with the recent efforts to revitalize Northeast Harbor he’s unsure as to how the sign will be perceived by our residents. Perhaps if the sign was further down Rte 102 our people would be more receptive. Ms. Hutchins explained that the MaineDOT regulations do not allow the sign to be on the same road as the location; it must be at an intersection or turn. It may not be placed on Rte 102. Selectman Hart
continued with his concerns, wondering if the Southwest Harbor & Tremont Chamber of Commerce will promote our events, such as the movies on the green and the visit from the Lynx. He suggested we need to think about DOT signs for our own community. The other concern he has is the term “Quietside”; while we know the meaning, tourists may not, and we are directing them out of town. Selectman Dudman asked Ms. Hutchins if she would be willing to have our literature available at the Chamber of Commerce and she replied yes, as a quid pro quo. She explained that all of the local Chambers are members of the regional chamber and work closely together and cooperatively to promote the island. She thinks of Mount Desert as a “sister” chamber. Selectman Shubert said he would not be opposed to the sign, and agrees if there are concerns about misdirection, we need more signs.
VOTE: The vote was in favor, 4-1, with Selectman Hart voting against.
MOTION: Selectman Richardson moved, seconded by Selectman Shubert to authorize Town Manager Lunt to sign the application for a Maine DOT Sign from Quietside Chamber of Commerce. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
B. Marine Management Committee Recommendations for Northeast Harbor Marina Winter Slip Rates
Rick Savage, from the Marine Management Committee, said basically they increased the fees by 20% which is either in-line with other facilities or even lower. Harbormaster LeMoine concurred, and noted these rates have not been increased for at least ten years.
MOTION: Selectman Richardson moved, seconded by Selectman Shubert, to approve the Marine Management Committee recommendations for the Northeast Harbor Marina Winter Slip Rates as presented in the May 20, 2014 memo from Harbormaster John LeMoine.
C. Future Repositioning of Maine Seacoast Mission Vessel “Sunbeam” at Northeast Harbor Marina, Discussion
Town Manager Lunt referred to his memo dated May 20, 2014 and noted that Scott Planting from the Maine Seacoast Mission and “Sunbeam” Captain Mike Johnson were present, along with Rick Savage and Jim Bright from the Marine Management Committee (MMC). Mr. Savage said the issue is two-fold; the size of the current “Sunbeam” requires it to be docked at the pier thereby restricting the use of the pier, especially by the local fishermen and Cranberry Isles boats. With the proposed change in dockage space, it would allow us to bring in additional large vessels and generate more revenue. Permitting is an involved and lengthy process with a small window of opportunity; it is important to get started. It was noted that the “Sunbeam” pays $350/month plus $100 for electricity
year round. Mr. Savage explained that the proposal is to add one more section on the north section of dock/finger floats, which would accommodate the “Sunbeam” plus other boats. The pilings would need to be more substantial. The driving factor is the demand on the main pier; there has been a tremendous amount of growth in year round activity. He sees this as the right way to accommodate everybody. Selectman Richardson asked how far the float extension would be and Mr. Savage replied 35 to 40 feet with a 6 foot wide float at the end. Selectman Richardson also asked if this changes the access to the other side of the pier and Morris Boat Yard. Mr. Savage said no, we are entitled to expand that much according to the Federal and State regulations. When Selectman Dudman asked if anyone had an idea of the cost, Mr. Savage replied, no, the MMC is looking for approval from the Board to proceed, which would include obtaining cost
estimates. Town Manager Lunt noted that the expansion is more of an investment which will immediately produce revenue. Replying to Selectman Richardson’s question about what happens to the side of the pier where the “Sunbeam” is, Mr. Bright, who is also a commercial fisherman, replied that everybody who is using the pier only has access to the south side when the “Sunbeam” is at dock causing a great deal of congestion. The placement of the dinghy float also adds to the overcrowding.
MOTION: Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Richardson, to authorize the Town Manager to coordinate with the Marine Management Committee to investigate the expansion of the marina.
DISCUSSION: Mr. Planting stated that the “Sunbeam” is very happy where it is and would like to remain in its present position. Selectman Richardson asked if there is a reason moving to the proposed location would not work. Mr. Planting stated the Mission is awaiting action from the Board and might be considering relocating to another harbor. Selectman Richardson questioned why we would build something to accommodate the “Sunbeam” if it was going to leave, or vice versa. Selectman Shubert said there are two separate issues, one is the expansion of the marina due to demands for use; and whether or not the “Sunbeam” moves is an entirely different issue which involves negotiations between Seacoast Mission and the Town that needs more research. Town Manger Lunt
said having the “Sunbeam” in place does not make this plan any less desirable; the extra spaces are needed and would generate revenue. Selectmen Richardson wondered if the reinforced bulkheads would be necessary without the “Sunbeam”. Mr. Savage said the plan has been to expand to accommodate vessels like the “Sunbeam” and other large vessels. It is not unusual for boats over 100 feet to come to our harbor. He emphasized the fact that we have a natural resource in one of the best small harbors on the Atlantic coast. There is a small window of opportunity to expand; we have been given a verbal agreement [from Federal and State authorities] that this can be done with the proper plan. Selectman Hart asked what the downside would be for the daily operational basis of the “Sunbeam” if it was docked at the finger floats rather than at the pier. “Sunbeam” Captain Mike Johnson explained it was not his place to comment and
deferred to Mr. Planting who said the ease of loading and unloading along with the powerful symbol of visibility factor were important. The “Sunbeam” has been in Northeast Harbor for 60 years. Town Manager Lunt recalled that predecessors to the current “Sunbeam” were smaller and could be moored or placed at the head of the dock; this one can’t. We have a responsibility as a community to utilize our resources the best way we can and at the same time accommodate the Seacoast Mission. He doesn’t see it as an either/or; he believes we can do both. But we have a responsibility while the window is open to expand. Who knows what the Army Corp of Engineers may decide in the next few years perhaps prohibiting the expansion. If we pass on this opportunity we are doing a great disservice to the people of this community. He said again he wants to accommodate the “Sunbeam” but not at the expense of using this resource to its
maximum degree. He urged the Board to go forward. Selectman Shubert restated his belief that the expansion and moving the “Sunbeam” are two very separate issues. What happens with the “Sunbeam” needs to be negotiated. It’s a good business decision to expand. Mr. Planting said their position is they need to hear something official from the Board in order to begin negotiations. Selectman Dudman clarified the point that the Board is being asked to authorize looking into the issue of expansion and obtaining costs. Mr. Savage said they are hoping to have designs and cost estimates by September.
VOTE: The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
D. Road Salt Pricing for FY 2014-2015
MOTION: Selectman Dudman moved, seconded by Selectman Hart, to purchase 1,500 tons of road salt from Harcross at $57.31 for the FY 2014-2015. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
E. Authorize Payment to Hedefine Engineering & Design for Otter Creek Fire Pond Project Engineer Work
MOTION: Selectman Richardson moved, seconded by Selectman Hart, to authorize payment to Hedefine Engineering & Design for Otter Creek Fire Pond Project Engineer Work in the amount of $2,962.50 from Otter Creek Fire Pond account 4040300-24474. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
F. Acadia Trust Corporate Authority, Resolve
Treasurer Mahar explained that every time there is a change in the Board membership a new resolution needs to be completed for authority to move money back and forth. It’s basically a formality.
MOTION: Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Dudman, to approve the Acadia Trust Corporate Authority Resolve to be signed by the Clerk/Secretary. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
G. Hancock County Charter Commission Development Statement of Support
Town Manager Lunt reminded the Board that about a year ago it expressed an interest in supporting this effort. It is his understanding that at least 2/3’s of the towns are in support; he’d like to see it unanimous.
MOTION: Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Dudman, to approve and sign the Hancock County Charter Commission Development Statement of Support. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
H. Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee Survey
No action taken.
I. Such other business as may be legally conducted
None presented.
IX. Treasurer’s Warrants
A. Approve & Sign Treasurer’s Warrants 1470 & 1471in the amounts of $210,254.26 & $232,705.21
B. Approve Signed Treasurer’s Payroll, State Fees, & PR Benefit Warrants 1451, 1452, 1468, & 1469 in the amounts of $40,091.82, $52,180.26, $3,623.25, & $3,239.25 respectively
C. Acknowledge Treasurer’s School Board Payroll Warrant 24 in the amount of $142,811.74
It was noted that Treasurer’s Warrant 1472 in the amount of $12,659.97 needed to be added.
MOTION: Selectman Richardson moved, seconded by Selectman Hart, to approve, sign, and acknowledge Treasurer’s Warrants A – C and Warrant 1472 totaling $697,565.76. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
X. Executive Session
A. Pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6) (D) Labor Negotiations
MOTION: At 7:10 p.m., Selectman Dudman moved, seconded by Selectman Shubert, to enter into Executive Session Pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6) (D) to discuss Labor Negotiations. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
MOTION: At 7:46 p.m., Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Dudman, to exit the Executive Session. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
No action was taken.
XI. Adjournment
MOTION: At 7:47 p.m., Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Dudman, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was unanimous in favor, 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew J. Hart,
Secretary
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