PRESENT: Chairman Friedman, Councilor Hogan, Councilor Perkins, Councilor Cheney and Councilor Champaco; Town Manager B. Reed, Assistant Clerk K. Humphrey, Code Enforcement Officer Allan Thomas, Office Administrator Julie Reed, Police Chief Mark Leonard, Assistant Fire Chief Carl Tenney, Town Attorney Richard Violette and Attorney John Bunker.
ITEM 1. The December 13, 2004 Veazie Town Council was called to order at 7:00 PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of minutes: Motion By: Councilor Cheney—to accept the November 29, 2004 minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Hogan, there was no more discussion. Voted 4-0-1 in favor. Councilor Perkins abstained due to his absence.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda: There were no additions made to the agenda.
ITEM 4a. Legal Update
Manager Reed outlined that the Jones Property/Kerri Maxell matter has been going on for a number of months. The Town has been looking to settle the tax issue in a lump sum, however, there have been some roadblocks. Manager Reed stated that Kerri Maxell’s attorney, John Bunker, was present to discuss the matter. Attorney John Bunker stated that his client has been investigating financing to come up with the lump sum but ran into some legal snags. He and his client have asked for an installment arrangement. He outlined that he has been in touch with the Town’s attorney and they have worked out terms that both sides should be satisfied with. He added that hopefully the matter can be wrapped up in the fairly near future. John Bunker expressed his client’s
appreciation for the Town’s cooperation.
Manager Reed outlined that he will be coming back with the arrangement at a future council meeting for a final signoff with the Council.
Chairman Friedman inquired on how many payments the installment plan would be. Manager Reed stated that it would be a year to eighteen months.
Councilor Hogan inquired whether the taxes could be paid off at anytime or whether they would be limited to the eighteen month agreement. Manager Reed stated that they could pay the taxes in full at any time. Councilor Hogan inquired on the time frame for wrapping this matter up. Attorney John Bunker stated within a month or so.
Councilor Perkins inquired on the Town’s recourse if something goes wrong. Attorney John Bunker outlined that this was a concern of the Town’s Attorney, Richard Violette, and that there will be something written into the agreement that if a payment is missed that the Town would be able to take actions necessary to foreclose on any interests the payee may have.
ITEM 4b. Executive Session 1 MRSA § 405(6)D
Motion By: Councilor Cheney—to enter into executive session under 1 MRSA section 405-6-D for discussion of labor contracts, proposals, and meetings between the Town and its negotiations staff. Seconded: Councilor Hogan, Voted 5-0 in favor.
Motion By: Councilor Hogan—to adjourn executive session and reconvene regular session. Seconded: Councilor Cheney, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 5a. Meeting Calendar
Manager Reed outlined that a meeting calendar was included in the Councilor’s packets. It was the consensus of the Council to cancel the December 27th meeting.
ITEM 6. Public Comments: There were no comments from the public.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report:
a. The Council reviewed a copy of a summary of the Governor’s two proposed bills for tax reduction. Also enclosed was a copy of the full length legal language of the bills. Manager Reed outlined that it is still the same complicated plan that doesn’t give towns 55% state funding towards education.
b. The Council reviewed a copy of the Legislative Policy Committee and State Representatives List as prepared by Maine Municipal Association.
c. The Council reviewed a copy of a memo and report on in-office registrations and online Rapid Renewal registrations.
d. The Council reviewed a copy of the Fire Department’s monthly report.
e. The Council reviewed a copy of a letter from Sally Jacobs regarding the Caribou Bog-Penjajawoc Project.
f. The Council reviewed a copy of the School Committee’s minutes and agenda
Manager Reed outlined that he is trying to line up a January meeting for the new school superintendent and new power plant manager to attend so that the Council can meet them.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information/Council Comments:
Councilor Cheney mentioned an article she read on “sprawl” and wondered about its relationship to Veazie. Manager Reed outlined that the Town’s landuse ordinance is more anti-sprawl then most communities in this area. The Town is similar to conservation capitalists Scarborough, Freeport and Yarmouth, especially now since the Town is using community master planner Terrance Dewan of Dewan & Associates of Yarmouth.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 12 & 12A, Town Payroll Warrant 12, School Warrant 12, School Lunch Warrant 12 and School Payroll Warrant 12 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Hogan—to adjourn the December 13, 2004 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Cheney—there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0, Meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Humphrey
Assistant Clerk
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