DRAFT-- MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL -- DRAFT
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STANDISH, MAINE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2010
STANDISH MUNICIPAL CENTER 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Spencer and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
Councilors present: Blanck, Olson, Pomerleau, Spencer, Stack and Tompson. Councilor Hopkins was excused.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (S)
Councilor Stack noted that on page 3 of the October 12 minutes, Councilor Pomerleau’s comments should have read that road was not in good condition. Moved seconded and voted to amend the minutes to reflect the correction.(Unanimous) The amended minutes were approved by unanimous consent.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
There were no petitions or communications at this meeting.
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Town Manager Gordon Billington spoke on the following:
The town is recovering from the recent Nor’easter. He noted at the end of the workday today that three roads still did not have power. The Transfer Station will accept brush related from the storm at no charge for the next several weeks.
The first coat of paving has been put on Route 113 and White’s Bridge Road. He said that the roads are a little rough right now; the finish coat will be applied in the spring.
The Recycling Committee will visit to the elementary
schools this week for an educational program and to kickoff
the calendar campaign.
The skateboard park is operational. The Recreation Committee met last week to finalize the rules of operation. He explained that the town has received some comments from residents in Sebago Lake Village regarding skateboarders traveling on Route 35 on skateboards. He urged that skateboarders not skateboard on Route 35.
The Recreation Department is holding open enrollment for the skiing program; and girl’s basketball – grades 2-6.
Recreation is hosting a 7th and 8th grade dance on November 19 that will be chaperoned by parents.
Notice was received that the Tree Canopy Grant application
was approved.
Councilor Olson questioned if White’s Bridge Road would be striped, she noted that the reflectors that were installed have already broken.
Gordon Billington explained that the painter comes from out of state, is in state now and the white edge striping will be done shortly.
Department Head Presentation – Mary Chapman, Town Clerk provided a report that highlighted features on the website.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
91-10 Amendment to Standish Town Code, Chapter 181, Land Use, Article IV, General Standards, §181-20, Off-street parking design and §181-21, Buffer Areas to Streets [Blanck]
Moved by Blanck seconded by Olson and voted to dispense with the Clerk’s reading of the ordinance. (Unanimous)
Councilor Blanck reported that anywhere in the Town Code that Village Center, Business and Commercial Districts are designated Industrial Districts would be added.
After a public hearing out additional Council or public comments, the Council voted on the amendments and the hearing was closed.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Vice-Chair Spencer thanked the Public Safety Committee for the certificates.
Frank Holcomb, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, explained that this year’s fair was the tenth annual fair. He explained that the fair is getting larger every year. He explained that donations from local business and support from the Council allowed them to do many things. He noted that the VIP’s helped with the Mason’s Child ID program; every child received a t-shirt; flashlights, Frisbees, and 10 bikes were awarded. The Fire Department had a simulation of rooms in a house showing the difference between a sprinkler and non-sprinkler building. Use of the Fire Department ATV, trailers from Standish Trailer Sales and a ATV for Westcott’s and Son’s supported the pumpkin ride. Generous donations from Standish House of Pizza and Dominos sent the kids home with a pizza
certificate. Randall’s Orchard supplied apples and Poland Springs donated water and the Fire Department Auxiliary sold hamburgers and hot dogs. Public Works displayed some trucks and equipment. The Animal Control Officer also had a display. He again thanked the Council for their support. He went on to thank the committee members Nicole Caron, Chief Libby, Adam Royer and Ian Moriarty.
Councilor Pomerleau said that Frank is modest; he said that it is unbelievable that five people can pull this off. He went on to say that the pumpkin ride was a huge success. He noted that TJ’s Variety, Tabors and Oak Hill Store also gave pizza certificates. He thanked the Council for their financial support.
Councilor Tompson said that they met with Portland Water District on October 28 to discuss the MOU. The document is down to two pages, everyone is pleased with the negotiations. The next meeting will be held Monday, November 15 at 7 pm to further discuss the MOU.
Councilor Blanck announced that the Ordinance Committee met on October 19, continuing their review of the Standish Corner District Plan. This on-going plan will be worked from the center of town out into the five designated areas.
Councilor Stack stated that the Finance Committee met on November 8. He said that revenues are coming in as budgeted. In addition, they reviewed personal property taxes, they will forward their recommendations regarding personal property to the Council in the next few months.
Councilor Pomerleau explained that Capital Improvements met to discuss a street light issue which was located on a private way, due to the location of the light, the town will be unable to work with the residents. At the Capital Improvements meeting, they also discussed disposal of a dump truck; and heating concerns in the new addition here at the Municipal Center. He said that Gordy is looking into who is responsible for this matter. He said that they are in discussions with the Town of Sebago regarding fire protection. He explained that the Wards Cove area is difficult for Fire Protection due to the travel time. Discussions revolve around placing a Standish Fire Truck in the Sebago Station to better provide service in that area of town.
Councilor Olson described at last months Economic Development meeting the Committee finalized their Goals and Objectives. They are beginning to work on an informational brochure for the town that will contact businesses and other entities to see what kind of content will be included in the brochure. The next meeting will be November 15 at 7 pm. The discussion will include upcoming grant opportunities.
Vice-Chair Spencer expressed that the Bottle for Fuel is accepting applications and donations. She encouraged people to donate their cans and bottles for this cause. Bottles can be turned in at the Transfer Station, Two Trails Redemption and Raymond’s Redemption.
CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no consent items at this meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
104-10 Amendment to Standish Town Code – General Assistance Ordnance (First Reading) [Hopkins]
Town Manger, Gordon Billington explained that this passed by Emergency at the October meeting. Each year updates for this ordinance are presented by the state. This ordinance will go to public hearing next month.
Moved seconded and voted to move this item to public hearing at the December meeting of the Council. (Unanimous)
NEW BUSINESS
108-10 Authorize Acceptance of Grant Funding for Improvements at Johnson Field [Hopkins]
Town Manager, Gordon Billington explained that the town was awarded funding from two grants that will benefit Johnson Field. The first is for $6,980 to purchase sugar maple trees to be placed at the front of Johnson Field. In kind matching will be provided by the Public Works Department by planting the trees. The other grant will provide for exercise stations at Johnson Field, which require no matching funds.
Councilor Stack asked about the number of trees.
Mr. Billington announced that it would provide for sixteen trees.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
109-10 Authorize Disposition of Surplus Highway Truck [Pomerleau]
Councilor Pomerleau noted that in the past the Town has sent vehicles to auction. Currently, there is a glut of dump trucks in the market, so they are selling at a low rate. Trading the truck for this equipment which will help compact gravel along the side of road is a better deal for the town. S.A. McLean is allowing $4,000 for the equipment trade.
VOTE: 6 Yeas
PUBLIC ITEMS
Councilor Pomerleau congratulated the Clerk’s and the Election Day staff for their efforts on November 2.
Councilor Stack said that people in Sebago Lake Village are experiencing reception issues with cable television.
Mr. Billington explained that Tony Vigue has contacted Mike Edgecomb at Time Warner regarding the freeze frame and the station not available messages. It is thought that Time Warner is altering the bandwidth coming into town.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming meetings were announced.
The Clerk announced that on November 18 MSAD is presenting an informational program for Standish residents that will highlight energy assistance, weatherization, foreclosure prevention, federal tax credits, home safety and much more. For more information, call Angela Pierce Houghton at 415-9447.
Councilor Stack explained that on Thursday here at the Municipal Center, American Legion Post 128 will hold a Veterans Day ceremony at 10 am.
Vice-Chair Spencer read an invitation to the Council from Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department to attend the forth-graduating class of the VIP’s program.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
An executive session was not needed at this meeting.
ADJOURN
Moved by Blanck seconded by Olson and voted to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm by unanimous consent.
Submitted by: _s/Mary Chapman_________________________
Clerk/Secretary
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