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Wastewater Cost Study Committee
Minutes of September 3, 2003
Members present Robert Smallidge, Kathy Branch, Charlie Pugh, Jim Bright, Brian Pollard, Bob Cawley, Anne Funderburk, George Peckham, Edith Dunham, Ted Bromage and Jim Robinson
Public present Erma Smallidge,
Called to order 6:45pm
Jim B. motion to adopt minutes of 7/23/03 as corrected, seconded by Bob C. Passed unan.
George motion to adopt minutes of 8/13/03 as corrected, seconded by Edith. Passed, unan.
Charlie believes that we need to agree on some of the more subjective issues, such as the
Extent to which seasonal properties should be expected to fund the largest portion of Town expenses through the property tax. We need to know where we want to go before deciding to get there. Example if we decide as a committee to go to Southwest Harbor or Paris and means of transportation having several recommendations, such as walk, bus, vehicle, boat, train or plane.
Brian Pollard does not entirely agree with Charlie and feels that we should not avoid specific funding options that may appear initially to not be feasible funding options.
Bob Cawley sees two different problems, legal issue and the transfer of the burden of sewer costs to other properties on the wastewater system. Bob has viewed the voluminous report that Mike MacDonald has which indicates that there is in fact such a problem. plans.
Jim Robinson has reviewed his tax information against the tax maps and has revised his information to reflect the actual tax maps.
Kathy with Bedroom Count Proposal What defines a bedroom? Our elderly could be penalized for residing in multiple bedroom homes. Proposed rate structure information is available at the Town Office for review if desired. Kathy motion to not study the bedroom count proposal further at this time, seconded by Jim B. Kathy rescinded this motion and made the following motion, To table the bedroom count proposal at this time, seconded by Edith. Passed, unan.
Anne Funderburk with Fixture Count Proposal Bob C. advises that other towns with fees that use the fixture count basis would be based on a gallon amount or percentage per fixture and charged accordingly. Jim R. advises that this proposal has the same potential problem as the bedroom count, people being charged for unused fixtures. Anne said this could be remedied by having unused fixtures sealed off by the Water District as in the past. George Peckham feels that we need to address the potential summer colony tax rebate. Anne advises that she is unable to determine proposed fees for this proposal. Edith would need to know the proposed fee structure before she can decide to continue study on this proposal. Bob C. recommends further develop of this program, seconded by Edith. Passed, unan.
Bob C. with Water Meter Proposal water meters would need to be installed on all residential, business and wells that have access to the wastewater treatment systems. Initial cost to purchase meters, several types available and maintenance of the meters. For residential meters range from $100 per meter and up depending on the functions performed by the meter utilized. Expense involved purchasing and installing meters. Who will pay for the installation of the meters and the maintenance? Companies are available to purchase meters and install them as well. Ted recommends that the cost and installation of the meters could be billed on a 3-year period. Anne motion that we continue to study the Water Meter Proposal, seconded by Edith, passed. 10 votes yes, 1 no, George Peckham.
George Peckham with Rebate To All Property Owners Not Having Access To The Public Wastewater Treatment System Proposal. Ted feels that the past 30 years is history and we must move forward. Is the present method legal or illegal? Edith suggests if this is illegal, how can it be made legal. Charlie advises that we cannot treat property owners differently with respect to the assessment of property and the collection of property taxes, but feels that the Town can do with the revenues from taxes as it wishes. The point was made that public perception of large tax rebates to wealthy landowners is likely to be very negative. Mike MacDonald did preliminary figures on George’s proposal and may be available at the Town Office for review. We a re currently paying for a service with the mil rate with property tax that
some do not have access to. Jim B. motion suggests that an attorney review the rebate proposals before we continue to study these options seconded by Anne. Passed, unan. Bob C. recommends that an attorney also review other proposals. Charlie advises the City of Portland is establishing a rebate plan for their resident property owners. George recommends a proposal to an attorney for the rebate proposals for review. Charlie said some of the rebate plans now in place are either permitted by the State of Maine or the City of Portland at this time. Seasonal residents could potentially receive the largest rebates if they are included in the plan.
Mike MacDonald will send proposals to the attorney for legal review. Charlie will write the cover letter to accompany the proposals. Mike has a legal budget that is at his discretion to utilize. Anne motions that any members that desire to attend this meeting and publish notice of this meeting, seconded by Jim R. Passed, unan. Mike will attempt to schedule the meeting as soon as possible.
Jim R. with sewer and septic user analysis handout. 223 wastewater users are not on water district water. 1271 sewer users.
Edith motion to adjourn, seconded by Ted. Passed, unan.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Branch,
Recording Secretary
Minutes adopted as amended 9/10/2003.
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