PRESENT: Chairman Champaco, Councilor King, Councilor Friedman and Councilor Perkins; Manager W. Reed; Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey; Office Administrator J. Reed, CEO A. Thomas, Police Chief M. Leonard and Parks & Recreation Director L. Janicki. Councilor Hathaway was absent and excused.
ITEM 1. The July 24, 2006 Veazie Town Council was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion By: Councilor Friedman—to accept the July 10, 2006 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
There were no additions to the agenda.
ITEM 4a. TABOR Update
Manager Reed went over the documents in the Councilors’ packets pertaining to the Taxpayers Bill of Rights. He outlined that StateplaceMaine voters will be voting on LD 2075 in November.
Manager Reed stated that the proposed law seems to conflict with the Constitution of the State of StateplaceMaine quite a bit. One fatal flaw is on the supermajority voting requirements since the Maine Constitution states that the legislature may never give up its power of taxation. He added that the current LD 1 seems to actually make a lot more sense than the proposed measure.
Assessor Allan Thomas stated that he was concerned with the fee aspect of the measure. This states that the Town cannot raise fees without a two-thirds vote. He is hoping that this will be ruled unconstitutional as well.
Chairman Champaco mentioned a poll that was done in which an estimated 73% of people voted in favor of TABOR. Manager Reed outlined that the poll, which was conducted via telephone, was flawed. It was likened to the Palaskey poll, once people were educated on how it worked they were less inclined to choose that option.
Chairman Champaco inquired how the Council felt about getting information out to residents. Manager Reed outlined that Maine Municipal Association MMA wants all communities to educate their residents.
ITEM 5a. White Goods Collection
Manager Reed outlined that he spoke with the Public Works Department regarding the white goods collection. The department would like to have a metals container for the whole month of September and residents would be allowed to bring items during normal business hours. In addition, they would have one weekend where residents could bring items as well.
Manager Reed read the following proposed fee schedule:
Refrigerators: $20.00
Mini Refrigerators: $15.00
Air Conditioners: $10.00
Brown Good Items: $5.00
Universal Waste – TVs, Monitors, Computers: $5.00 - $25 depending upon size.
Small or “Car” Tires: $1.00
Wheel rims and other scrap metal would have no charge.
Manager Reed stated that it would cost $100 to have Industrial Metals drop off a container and another $100 to pick it up.
Councilor Perkins inquired on what a brown good was. Manager Reed stated it was items like microwaves, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers.
Councilor Perkins also inquired whether the Town would be accepting furniture. Manager Reed outlined that the Town has a dumpster and if someone has special circumstances staff allows them to dispose of it in the dumpster.
Motion By: Councilor King—to authorize the Public Works Department to collect fees as proposed in the department’s proposal and Manager’s report to help offset the cost of the special collection. Seconded: Councilor Perkins, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 6. Comments from the Public
There were no comments from the public.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report
a. The Council reviewed a copy of the Town’s quarterly investment report.
b. The Council reviewed a copy of the projected revenue sharing projections.
c. Manager Reed outlined that there was an incident with a citizen intimidating the Public Works crew while they were trimming brush. The situation was resolved without incident.
d. Manager Reed outlined that attendance was low for the musical festival that took place on the previous Saturday. He spoke with the organizer who outlined that this was an educational experience and he’ll know what to do differently next time if the event is going to happen again. One of those things was increased advertising for the event. Weather also played a role in the low attendance.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
Councilor Perkins inquired who won the challenge. Parks & Recreation Director Lisa Janicki stated that a band called New Society won the challenge and Butch Free, of Public Works, and his band placed second.
Councilor Perkins inquired whether the Public Works Department was done trimming. Manager Reed said they were not. Councilor Perkins outlined that he had received a comment regarding visibility.
Chairman Champaco stated that she was glad that the Town had such an event as the music challenge. She was happy to see the Police and Fire Departments there as well. She also outlined that it was great that the Town had a resident who had all of this energy to put on such an event as this. Chairman Champaco stated that she hopes the Town encourages it so it happens again.
ITEM 9. Town Warrant 2 & 2A, Town Payroll 2, School Warrant 2 & 2A and School Payroll 2 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Friedman—to adjourn the July 24, 2006 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor King—there was no further discussion. Voted 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:30p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of CityplaceVeazie
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