PRESENT: Chairman Champaco, Councilor Friedman, Councilor King, Councilor Hathaway and Councilor Perkins; Manager W. Reed; Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey; Office Administrator J. Reed, CEO A. Thomas, Police Chief M. Leonard and Rick Martens of James W. Sewall Company.
ITEM 1. The April 2, 2007 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:02PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion By: Councilor King—to accept the March 19, 2007 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
There were no additions to the agenda.
ITEM 4a. Committee Recruitment/Appointments Discussion
Manager Reed stated that at the present time the Town is in need of two Budget Committee Members (one associate, one full), one Conservation Commission member, one Associate Planning Board member and one Associate Board of Appeals member.
Manager Reed pointed out that volunteerism for these types of committees seems to be declining in general all over the State as noted in many newspaper articles, news stories and even the Maine Townsman.
Councilor Perkins inquired on what “associate” meant. Manager Reed stated that if a full member was absent then the associate would be able to vote in their place.
Chairman Champaco asked if it was possible to put in the monthly newsletter a box that lists all the committees, who is on them and if there is a position available.
Councilor Hathaway inquired whether it was possible to have a form for people to fill out that states whether they would be interested in volunteering and what their interests are.
ITEM 5a. Sewall Mapping Project Update
Manager Reed stated that Rick Martens was present from James W. Sewall Company to give a presentation on the Town’s mapping project. Rick Martens has replaced Ray Corson, who was the former project manager. Manager Reed outlined that the Town had decided to hold off on last year’s work due to two reasons, the first being related to the proposed Davis Subdivision and the second reason was due to Ray’s departure from the company and wanting to meet the new project manager.
Manager Reed stated that since the project has been stretched out to cover a three year period the cost increased. However, the Town reserved $18,000 for the project which is a little more than the project is projected to cost.
Rick Martens stated that in 1999 was the first time they did a fly over of the Town and created orthophotography and landbase. In May of 2004 they did the color flights. He outlined that the company is planning to do a flight in late April of this year.
Rick Martens outlined the reason they use orthophotography is because it provides a bigger picture of the Town. It also helps to identify or detail potential problems.
CEO Allan Thomas outlined that the Planning Board utilizes GIS considerably and he uses it for tax purposes.
ITEM 6. Comments from the Public
There were no comments from the public.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report
a. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a memo From Deputy Tax Collector Julie Reed regarding the status of unpaid taxes.
b. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a memo from Office Administrator Julie Reed regarding the Town’s excise tax collection and excise related articles.
c. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the Sewer District’s assessment for the Town.
d. The Town Council reviewed a copy of Penobscot County’s assessment for the Town.
e. The Town Council reviewed a copy of an email sent to Allan Thomas regarding the application for Credit Quality Improvement Grant Program.
f. The Town Council reviewed a copy of an article from the Bangor Daily News regarding laptops for police cruisers.
Councilor Hathaway stated that he was curious as to why school buses are backing up on town roads. With young kids around he did not think it was in the Town’s best interest. Manager Reed stated that he will have Chief Leonard contact Cyr Bus Lines to find out.
Councilor Hathaway outlined that Manager Reed had mentioned having Brian Ahern from the Casco Bay Energy plant come in to a future meeting. Manager Reed stated that once the sale of the plant is official and the name is changed then Brian Ahern outlined that he would like to come in.
Councilor Hathaway also pointed out that the sidewalk on the bridge is deteriorating. Manager Reed stated that the Town is looking at some self leveling material at Gagne. The Town has also talked with BACTS to see if they could come look at it and give some recommendations.
Councilor Hathaway inquired whether the Town was on its own for railroad crossing signs. He outlined that the one on School Street is starting to lose shape. Manager Reed stated that the Town would have to contact the State and then they would contact the railroad.
Councilor Hathaway also mentioned the sidewalk by RM Flagg being cracked and uneven. He wondered if there was any funding in the future to rehabilitate it.
Councilor Hathaway was curious to know what the status was as far as building codes for the Crowe property on School Street. CEO Allan Thomas stated that the buildings have been fixed up and trash has been moved from the School Street side as well. DEP is currently looking into some issues on the property.
Chairman Champaco stated that there is a lot of trash along State Street in the Ridgeview Drive area. CEO Allan Thomas stated that he would look into it.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
Chairman Champaco stated that she thought Spring Fling was a great success. She would also like to see more activities like that.
ITEM 9. Town Warrant 20, Town Payroll 20, School Warrant 20, School Lunch Warrant 20 and School Payroll 20 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Hathaway—to adjourn the April 2, 2007 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor King—there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of placeCityVeazie
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