PRESENT: Council Chair Champaco, Councilor Friedman, Councilor Perkins, Councilor King, Councilor Hathaway were present. Also present were Town Manager Reed, Police Chief M. Leonard, Public Works Director B. Free, Assessor / CEO A. Thomas, Fire Chief G. Martin, Brian Stoyell of Public Works and 4 members of the public.
ITEM 1. The June 12th 2007 Veazie Town Council was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of minutes: Motion By: Councilor King—to accept the May 21, 2007 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway, There was no discussion, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda: Discussion of the reappointment of the Alternate Code Enforcement Officer was added.
ITEM 4a. Cemetery Fence Replacement
The Public Works Director gave an overview of the proposed fence replacement project. The Town Council reviewed the different styles of fence that the Public Works Department and the Veazie Garden Club are looking at to replace the current fence at the cemetery. It was the consensus that the current fence needs to be replaced. It was noted that the current fence lasted well over 20 plus years and has really needed to be replaced for the past several years. The Public Works Director outlined that the Garden Club’s president, Barb Dalton, had a discussion with the Town several weeks ago and made several recommendations as to what would look nice and be of quality for the cemetery. Several styles were reviewed. The two colors discussed were black or green.
Motion By: Councilor Friedman—to have the Public Works Director to move forward with the fence project and to work with the Veazie Garden Club on the aesthetics and to seek three quotes for the fence type selected prior to the purchase and to see if the manufacturer sells the fence direct. Second Councilor Perkins. There were no further discussions. Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 5a. School Consolidation Discussion
The Manager reviewed all of the information that was submitted in the Town Council packet pertaining to the School Consolidation Plan. The Manager outlined that school choice was preserved and a great deal of items will need clarification in the coming months. The Town Council discussed that the citizens, Town Council, the School Committee, school employees, and parents in general need to be informed about all of the possibilities and impacts that regionalism will create. Councilor Hathaway outlined that Veazie should be ahead of the curve and make informed choices in the next month or two. It was discussed that the School Committee and Town Council should provide the citizens with information and seek input. It was noted that the law outlines that citizens, the municipal officials and schools should all be represented.
The Town Council was very concerned on what current Town assets would be acquired by the new consolidated school system. It was noted that all items bonded on the new school project would more than likely be transferred to the new entity. The Town Council agreed that the regional meeting scheduled by the Department of Education at Peeks Auditorium on June 21st will be lively.
ITEM 5B. Reappointment of Alternate Code Enforcement Officer
Motion By: Councilor Hathaway—to reappoint Brian Stoyell to the position of Alternate Code Enforcement Officer for a term of one year. Seconded by Councilor Friedman. There was no further discussion. Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 6. Comments from the Public
It was discussed by a member of the public that school choice was very important to them and that they wished to be kept informed about that matter.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report:
Manager Reed gave a brief outline of a project that the Orono Fire Department and the Veazie Fire Department were in discussion on pertaining to ambulance service and some additional mutual aid items.
Then the following items were reviewed from the Manager’s Report:
a. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a memo from Deputy Tax Collector Julie Reed that included a list of property owners that were mailed 30 day lien notices.
b. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the School Committee’s minutes and agenda.
c. The Town Council reviewed a copy of Deputy Code Enforcement Officer Brian Stoyell’s certification from the State Planning Office.
d. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a certificate of appreciation to the Fire Department from the United Technologies Center.
e. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a citizen comment card.
f. The Town Council reviewed a copies of thank you cards to Chief Leonard and Officer Angelo.
g. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a thank you card to Chief Leonard regarding the 12th Annual Hike.
ITEM 8. Request for information and comments by Council:
Councilor Friedman requested that since the Orono Fire Department sent an ambulance proposal to the Town and had spoken with Veazie Fire Department administration that other departments should be notified and see if there is any interest.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 25& 25A, Town Payroll Warrant 25, School Warrant 25, and School Payroll Warrant 25, were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion By: Councilor Friedman—to adjourn the June 12, 2007 Town Council meeting.. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway, there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
William Reed
Town Clerk
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