Superintendent Perry stated that the committee is hoping that the increase they put in this year
Councilor Friedman commented on the possible decrease in participating students by raising the price of lunch. There may be kids that don't want to ask their parents for additional money for lunch. Superintendent Perry stated that 80% of the students are participating in the school lunch program and after the recent increase in price there was no change in percentage. Superintendent Perry stated that there could be a point where participation could be affected but currently the school is not at that point.
Member of the public Albert Suddy commented that he has heard that children were being hurried to eat. Principal Nichols stated it varies day to day. Time to time there are some kids who feel hurried but for the most part kids are allowed to finish their meals. He outlined that some kids see their friends finishing their lunch and hurrying outside for recess and they want to hurry up and get outside as well.
Councilor Michaels commented on some parents being surprised to get a bill for lunches, he wondered if the same thing was going to happen this year. Principal Nichols stated that the school tries to notify families on a regular basis, however for some reason or another there have been surprises at the end of the school year. He outlined that they are working with people in the lunchroom so these surprises don't occur. Superintendent Perry stated the school is looking at the possibility of an electronic system. There is one woman who keeps track of the kids who are prepaid, who are paying and who forgot their money. A swipe card might work better, however it may not be in the budget.
Chairman Hathaway inquired on the total budget increase overall. Superintendent Perry stated it was 5.76%. He outlined that the school lost 7% in state allocation and increased 18% in local allocation (taxes). Chairman Hathaway inquired on whether it could be projected where the school was heading in the future. Superintendent Perry stated that if legislation stays the same and enrollment changes as anticipated they can make some assumption and come up with a figure. It is always in comparison to what is happening in other parts of the State.
Chairman Hathaway inquired on enrollment. Principal Nichols stated it was 168 at the John Graham School and now it is 208. School Committee Chair Rebecca Wetherbee stated she was surprised to hear that if the Greystone Trailer Park came up to code that there would be 20 more properties available and that could bring in 20-40 more kids. Councilor Friedman added that on top of that there will be houses opening up because of the senior housing project. It is difficult to get a handle on enrollment.
Manager Reed outlined that a number of communities in Southern Maine are no longer waiting for State funding for projects and have more or less broken away from the constraints of State controls on projects such as new school construction. Which has in turned freed up funds for other projects in the State. In general, a community's income and property value are very important when vying for State funds. The taxable community value per student has a great affect on potential changes to a community's future State Aid. Even though Veazie's tax value per student increased, there are and will be other places that increase substantially too. Mainly in the past several years
shoreland values have increased value in a number of communities which minimized our increases. The game is ensuring that Veazie's community value does not balloon or over inflate too quickly.
Councilor Hathaway expressed concern that the Town just faced an 18% shift when it was 50% State Aid last year. He expressed that the Town needs to take a look at the figures and models to see where things are going. There was then discussion that maybe the real issue is the Greystone trailer park or the change in housing stock in village. It was noted that there are a number of registered sites in park that are empty and could be filled someday when improvements are made at the park.
Budget Committee member Suzanne Hart inquired on what portion of the increase in budget was due to the increase in the cost of health insurance. Superintendent Perry stated that if there were no additions make in staff that it would be about $22,500 increase in the health premium. This is based on the actual cost of who is enrolled. Superintendent Perry stated that they take the current level of coverage and anticipate rate increase.
Councilor Cheney inquired on whether the school was anticipating two kindergartens next year. Principal Nichols stated the school is looking at it. Councilor Cheney also asked whether they were full time. Principal Nichols stated they are full time. Councilor Cheney inquired on whether there would be other classes that would need to be split. Principal Nichols stated it was too soon to assume. There is no way to tell what classes would be impacted by kids moving in and out. Superintendent Perry outlined that the information that motivated the need for an additional teacher to be added to the budget was because of the kindergarten.
It was decided to move the May 14th meeting to Wednesday, May 15th at 7pm. School Committee member Andrea Ostrofsky inquired on who should attend the meeting. Manager Reed stated it was for the Budget Committee, School Committee and department heads.
ITEM 6. Manager's Review
Chairman Hathaway stated he hasn't had a chance to schedule a meeting with Manager Reed but will do so and report back at the next council meeting.
ITEM 7a. Public Works - Truck Replacement
Manager Reed outlined that Superintendent of Public Works Butch Free has found a purchaser for the two Town trucks, the old International and the 1999 Ford F550. The goal is sell these two trucks and purchase a new International with CBEC TIF investment income Funds.
Manager Reed outlined that Public Works had been given authorization to sell the old 1991 white International last fall, but Superintendent Free decided to keep the truck over the winter due to the fact that the little Ford had been out of service of and on all year. Manager Reed pointed out that this was a correct call due to the fact that the Ford blew another transmission during the plowing season and was out of service for several weeks while the parts and the rebuild were taking place.
Manager Reed stated that at the present time the Town is holding a certified check in the amount of $11,500 from Herbert Comeau for the white 1991 International.
Manager Reed stated that the department would also like to line up the sale of the Ford F550. At the present time the Town has discussed selling the Ford to Silvers Construction for the sum of at least $20,000 with the understanding that we would not sell the truck or release the truck until the department received the replacement vehicle. The $20,000 would be held in an escrow account that would be used to offset part of the cost of the new truck.
Councilor Michaels inquired on Herbert Comeau and whether he was the neighbor to the municipal building. Manager Reed stated he was indeed the neighbor. Councilor Michaels inquired on whether the Town wanted to consider a land swap in this deal. Manager Reed stated that it hasn't been talked about and the Town would like to keep that separate from the deal proposed.
Superintendent Free stated the truck the department is negotiating on is another International the same size as the current one. Superintendent Free outlined that it is a different model, model 7300, which is still considered a five-ton. It will have a shorter wheelbase and has 20 less horsepower than the current one. It will also be a 2003 model. The price includes just the cab and chassis and not the equipment that goes on it. Superintendent Free stated that he and Gary Hammond will be going to Portland to look at another manufacturer.
Manager Reed stated that the truck will not be financed that it will be taken from income proceeds from the TIF District. The $20,000 and $11,500 will go towards the truck and the difference will come from the TIF district fund.
Chairman Hathaway inquired on the track record of the current vendor. Superintendent Free stated it is excellent. He outlined that on a Friday during the winter the truck had broken down and the vendor came and towed it at no charge to the Town. That Sunday a snowstorm was coming and the vendor called early Sunday morning to say it was ready. Superintendent Free outlined that their service department is open 24 hours a day.
Superintendent Free stated that in the past week the department has located another equipment vendor and would like to go see what they have to offer before giving the Council numbers on equipment. Councilor Cheney wanted to clarify that they would be buying the cab and chassis from the current vendor and buying the equipment somewhere else. Superintendent Free verified this. He added that at the other distributor the equipment is suppose to be a little better and if he can get the better equipment for about the same amount of money or less he would like to do so.
Superintendent Free stated that he took all the specifications on the current International and will apply them to the new truck. The only difference is the truck is shorter. He stated the department went with a shorter truck because there are a lot of cul de sacs, sharp corners and dead ends streets in the portion of Town it will be used for.
Motion by: Councilor Friedman--to authorize the Town Manager to transfer ownership of the Town's white and black 1991 International to Herbert Comeau in 'as is, where is' condition with no warrantees expressed or implied. Seconded: Councilor Michaels, Vote 5-0 in favor.
Motion By: Councilor Friedman--to authorize the Town Manager to negotiate the sale of the Ford F-550 under any necessary terms and conditions as he may deem necessary and appropriate and that the sale of the vehicle generate at least $20,000 in revenue and it be held in escrow for the purchase of Public Work's new truck. Seconded: Councilor Cheney, Vote 5-0 in favor.
Motion By: Councilor Friedman--to authorize the Public Works Superintendent to execute an order for an International 7300 with Colwell Diesel for the price of $51,668, less escrow of $11,500 for the black and white international and a minimum of $20,000 from the Ford F-550 with a balance of $20,168 coming from the CBEC TIF fund. Seconded: Chairman Hathaway, Vote 5-0 in favor.
Superintendent Free stated that it would be a minimum of two months to get the cab and chassis and then it goes to the vendor to get the plow and other equipment for another month. It would approximately around July that the new truck would be delivered.
Member of the public Albert Suddy pointed out that the Town use to only have one truck in the past. Chairman Hathaway outlined that the Town has added on five more miles of road since then. Gary Hammond stated that without a second truck they would not be able to keep up with a snowstorm. Also, if something happens to the one truck, there is no backup to fill its place. Chairman Hathaway pointed out that everything has a replacement schedule, the trucks, police cruisers, fire trucks, even the traffic lights. He outlined that the Town tries to spread that over a 10-year schedule so the Town doesn't get hit all at once in one year.
ITEM 7b. Uncollectible Taxes Discussion
Manager Reed outlined that in the council packets was a memo from Deputy Treasurer Julie Reed pertaining to the negotiated tax settlement on the former Whitty property. The Town would like to deem the personal equipment property taxes owed by the Whitty's as non-collectible. Councilor Cheney inquired on what property this was, whether it was the 'old diaper place'. Manager Reed confirmed that it was indeed. Manager Reed outlined that no one knows where the taxable personal property / business equipment is located. Chairman Hathaway inquired on what the equipment was. CEO Thomas stated it was washers, dryers, etc. Manager Reed stated that the people who had debt on the equipment probably came and got them at some point in time.
Chairman Hathaway inquired on whether this was the only option left to the Town. Manager Reed stated the Town has already collected their property tax and this personal property / business equipment tax is pretty much uncollectible, the whereabouts of the personal property is unknown. Manager Reed added that it would be difficult for the Town to collect tax on something that isn't there. The Town can either write it off now, or the auditor will instruct the Town to write it off at the end of the year.
Motion By: Councilor Friedman--to authorize the Town's Treasurer to write off the personal property taxes due on account # 79 in the amount of $865.02. The Town Council further deems the personal property / equipment taxes as being non-collectible. Seconded: Councilor Kelly, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 8. Manager's Report:
8a. A copy of the action plan. Manager Reed outlined that it included the activity and the person responsible. Every item is ongoing, it has been implemented or being implemented. Manager Reed stated that the auditor had been given a copy of the action plan and was happy with it. Councilor Michaels stated he would like a quarterly update on it.
8b. A copy of the Veazie School Committee's minutes was reviewed
8c. A copy of the Orono - Veazie Water District's minutes was reviewed
8d. The Fire Department's monthly report was reviewed
8e. A copy of Lt. Powers certificate of completion of the 4 day national Child Passenger Safety Technicians Certification Training was reviewed
8f. A copy of the Police Department's quarterly report was reviewed
8g. A copy of the response to the January 2002 letter that the Town sent to the Sewer District was reviewed
Chairman Hathaway expressed his discouragement that the Sewer District increased their assessment and didn't say what it was for. Manager Reed stated the question he posed to the district was 'where is the money going'? He was informed that they had projects but details were not refined at that point in time. The Council asked Manager Reed to draft a letter up outlining their concerns of not getting an explanation for their increase with the new annual assessment.
Councilor Friedman stated he did not think it was good management to increase an assessment and not give an explanation with the assessment.
8h. The Town's insurer's response to the Topliff's property damage claim at their rental property located on 1010 Olive Street was reviewed by the Council.
8i. A memo from Deputy Treasurer Julie Reed on the outstanding foreclosed property list was reviewed.
8j. A memo from Deputy Treasurer Julie Reed on an overpayment of taxes for 20 Jackson Drive was reviewed.
Manager Reed concluded with the information that the Town has recently hired Brian Stoyell. Brian comes from the Sewer District. He brings with him sewer facilities certifications and a great deal of knowledge pertaining to public works and sewer infrastructure.
ITEM 9. Requests for Information/Council Comments:
Councilor Michaels requested that Adelphia be addressed at a future meeting. He noted that they are a monopoly provider of cable. Councilor Michaels stated perhaps someone from Adelphia could join the Council at a future meeting.
Councilor Kelly noted that in the minutes of March 25th it was noted that he was 'not present', however, he was present and had arrived late.
Councilor Friedman mentioned leaving the school one day around 4:00pm when children were getting out of a rehearsal/practice and two Bangor Hydro trucks went right through a stop sign. Councilor Friedman recommended putting yellow flashing lights on School Street for the school area. Manager Reed stated he will speak with Police Chief Leonard to see what can be done.
Councilor Cheney stated she went for a walk in the Davis fields and noted that some major damage had been done from four wheelers riding through there from the Bangor end. She inquired on whether it could be blockaded. Manager Reed outlined that it was private property and didn't think we could do that, however he stated that perhaps Chief Leonard could talk with Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to see what could be done.
ITEM 10. Warrants: Town Warrant 21, 21A, Town Payroll Warrant 21, School Warrant 19, School Payroll Warrant 19, and School Lunch Warrant 19, were circulated and signed.
ITEM 11. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Friedman--to adjourn March 25, 2002, Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Cheney, Voted 5-0 in favor. There was no further discussion. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Gifford
Assistant Clerk
