ITEM 5a. Mary Ellen Ludwin
The Council asked for a breakdown of the committee members, it was as follows:
4 senators, 10 representatives,
3 republican senators, 1 democratic senator-5 democratic representatives and 5 republican representatives
She also stated that she believes this is a north/south issue
ITEM 5b. Senior Housing Project: Manager Reed updated Councilors on the Credit Enhancement agreement and discussed the memo with the concerns regarding the agreement. Manager Reed stated that Penquis CAP has responded to the issues at hand and will be present at the next meeting. The pro-ration concept is still an issue.
Councilor Michaels stated that he had concerns about tax agreement in that there are not any figures attached to this part of the agreement.
Manager Reed stated that the figures would be based on the Tax Assessors assessment and the bank agreements. The purpose of the agreement is to
keep the rents low.
The Council asked if tax rate goes up what will that do to the agreement. Manager Reed stated that the finalized agreement would be a fixed amount. The argument to use the credit enhancement is that a tax break will be for the community good. The Performa to the State has to show the details.
Chairman Hathaway asked the other Councilors if there was any additional information they needed before the next meeting because there are hopes to finalize the project so that ground breaking can happen in November.
Addressing the utility and insurance pro-ration still needs to be finalized; loss of use and the amortized amount has to be calculated. The council asked for a break down of the figures to know what % the Town contributes.
Jim Parker said that the design is 95% done.
ITEM 6a. General Assistance Ordinance Update: Manager Reed stated that the Council should open the Public Hearing to decide on adopting the State recommended General Assistance Ordinance updates.
Public Hearing: Chairman Hathaway declared it was time to open the Public Hearing on the General Assistance Ordinance.
Manager Reed stated that the State of Maine writes the recommendations for the maximum guidelines for general assistance for each county in the State and recommends that the Council adopt the proposed Ordinance updates.
Chairman Hathaway asked for comments from the public. There were no comments from the public. Chairman Hathaway closed the Public Hearing and asked for a motion.
Motion: Councilor FriedmanThe Ordinance was circulated and signed by the council.
ITEM 6b. Solid Waste Agreement: Manager Reed explained where the Town is with the current contract and the new costs quoted. The current provider
Pine Tree Waste had sent a proposal and was invited to the Council meeting but was not present at the meeting. Manager Reed stated that Pine Tree Waste called with the rate increase earlier this month.
Manager Reed stated that he would like to have a one-day pick up for solid waste and recyclables. This would make things less confusing for residents and trash and or recyclables would only be present in front of homes one day a week.
Waste Management was present to address taking over the contract for the Town of Veazie.
Councilor Friedman stated that he was disappointed with Pine Tree Waste. He also stated that many residents have been dissatisfied by the service that has been provided. He has received many complaints about the current provider because of lack of service i.e. missed streets, verbal language and inconsistencies.
Councilor Michaels stated that he would like to see some language in an agreement that there would not be any dump picking. He has received complaints from citizens that the workers were going through mail in people
Bob Sparks presented a proposal for Waste Management to take over the Town contract for the Town of Veazie. Waste Management is a large company worldwide. Currently, they are serving Ellsworth and Holden in this area. He addressed the issue of commingling. A company their size and their people know what the consequences for that type of behavior and it is not acceptable with Waste Management. They are prepared to provide the service the Town of Veazie expects.
Manager Reed stated that he would like to be able to formalize a contract and serve a 30-day notice to the current provider. Should the company not take a 30 day notice and decides to terminate the contract on October 31, 2001; Waste Management is prepared to take over immediately. Having a new consolidated trash and recycling day of Wednesday would be good for the Town.
Mr. Sparks stated that he did not like to commit to Mondays or Fridays because of the holiday issue but currently has Wednesday available and could consolidate. He stated that the run would start at 7:00 AM at Riverview and will run the same route in the same manner every week.
Councilor Cheney stated she had a comment about the inconsistencies of the current provider; some weeks the trash is picked up at 7 AM and then 6 PM the next week. Mr. Sparks stated that there are bound to be some occasions that interruptions happen i.e., mechanical problems, flat tires, or bad weather conditions could interfere.
Mr. Sparks stated that there are some commercial accounts that will not be taken on at the proposed price. Chairman Hathaway asked what type of truck would be used for the solid waste. Mr. Sparks stated that curbside pick up is a rear load truck. Dumpsters will be done with a front load truck.
He stated that the company would work with the public to help them to recycle. MMRA brokers the recyclers in the area.
Jerry Hughes at Bangor Public Works can provide reports on tonnage for recycling.
Motion: Councilor Friedman
ITEM 6c. Relining of the Main Street Culvert: J. Parker, from CES, was present to discuss the relining of the culvert that runs under Main Street to the Council. There is a new SnapType liner available. The cost of installing it is a bit higher than the original plan but the expected life is much longer than the other type.
Manager Reed asked that a motion be made to authorize the use of additional funds from the general funds to do this product.
Motion: Councilor Friedman
J. Parker asked to make a comment about what a good job Public Works has done on the culverts and projects this year.
Councilor Friedman asked how the project for a hydrant to provide the water to the field was coming along. Manager Reed stated that the dig safe people are scheduled to mark soon and he is hopeful that the project will be done by the weekend. Jim Parker noted that he would speak with the Water District on Tuesday.
ITEM 6d. Fire Truck Discussion: Manager Reed stated he had found a consultant to help the Town decide on a proper Fire Truck and equipment to purchase for the Town of Veazie
Chief Martin stated that this project has been in the works for over two years and now the committee has narrowed it down to two vendors. One Company did a demonstration on site at the power plant. He stated that the Fire Department needs at least a 110 footer, regardless of which vendor is used.
Motion: Councilor Michaels--to hire a consultant to give the Town his expert opinion on the speculation for the purchase a Fire Truck. Seconded: Councilor Kelly
Chairman Hathaway thought that the consultant should visit the Town prior to presenting him with the specks that the committee has come up with. He explained that he would like to have the process conducted appropriately.
Vote 5-0 in favor
ITEM 7a. Manager
7a. The MRC Board of Directors Nomination form
7b. The update on the fire hydrant relocation
7c. The School Committee minutes and agenda
7d. The Monthly fire department report
7e. A letter from Barney Silver stating what happened at the J.C. Auto construction site and why the Public Works Director had not known what Mrs. Huggard claimed. Manager Reed inquired to Mr. Silver about the issues. Manager Reed received a letter from Barney Silver that stated that he did the installation of the culvert and Public Works put the loam in and that was it.
7f. Town of Veazie Package/Envelope handling guidance policy. We implemented this policy on October 17, 2001.
7g. Police Department Quarterly Report
Councilor Michaels stated that he had some concerns that the school takes no responsibility once the school bell rings. He asked if any of the other councilors felt about the Police Department taking some interest. He had received a complaint from the parent of five-year-old child that was left by himself when his parent had been held up in traffic on Route 2.
7h. An update on NFPA 1710
7i. Housing Article published in the Bangor Daily News
7j. The Town submitted a claim to Bangor Hydro Electric Company pertaining several power surges on September 9, 2001 that occurred at the Fletcher Municipal Building, damaging the overhead door operators in the Fire Department. This is the insurance companies response to our claim.
7k. An update on the rate changes for Adelphia required by the Town
7l. Copies of the Thank you notes to Manager Reed that were received from Heather Friedman
7m. Public Work
ITEM 8. Requests for Information/Council Comments: Councilor Cheney stated that she had a couple of comments. She asked if Public Works needed extra help because of being short handed. Manager Reed stated that they are fully staffed now.
She stated that the trees planted at Shankin
She asked if the traffic light was working properly. Councilor Kelly stated that he sat through two lights on Chase Road with only a couple cars getting through at a time. Manager Reed stated that he would call to have a diagnostic done on the light.
Councilor Friedman stated that the street light on Chase Road was out and the Bangor Hydro needs to be notified. CEO Thomas stated he would notify the Hydro right a way.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 9, Town Payroll Warrant 9, School Warrant 7, School Payroll Warrant 7, and School Lunch Warrant 7, were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Friedman--to adjourn the October 22, 2001, Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Kelly there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0 Meeting adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Julie D. S. Reed
Deputy Town Clerk
