PRESENT: Councilor Hathaway, Councilor Friedman, Councilor King, Councilor Perkins and Councilor Parker; Manager W. Reed; Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey, CEO A. Thomas, Office Administrator J. Reed, Police Chief M. Leonard, Fire Chief G. Martin, Assistant Fire Chief C. Tenney, Lt. M. Azevedo, Orono Fire Chief Norman Webb; Anthony & Valerie Cartonio, Marilynn Bishop, Phyllis Wolf and Kerrie Maxell-Cook.
ITEM 1. The July 9, 2007 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion By: Councilor Perkins—to accept the June 25, 2007 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
Member of the public Anthony Cartonio outlined that he had presented a proposal to the Council on June 25th and wondered if the Council had come to a decision on it. This was added as item 5c.
ITEM 4a. Appointments
Motion By: Councilor Hathaway—to appoint Marilynn Bishop to the Budget Committee as an associate member for a one year term ending June 30, 2008. Seconded: Councilor Perkins, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 4b. Recognitions
Chairman Friedman outlined that recently the Town has had some individuals go above and beyond the call of duty and the Council would like to recognize them.
Recently there was an accident on State Street and the officer on duty and the Fire Department responded and handled it very well. There was also an incident of alleged kidnapping/assault that was handled very well. Councilor King presented Chief Leonard with certificates of recognition for all those involved.
Chief Leonard stated that it was unfortunate that those headlines made the newspaper, however with the staff he has, he was very happy with the outcome. He also wanted to mention a call that Officer Haslam responded to. The person was in cardiac arrest and Officer Haslam performed CPR on the patient. He just was informed today that the person has survived.
Councilor Perkins presented Fire Chief Gerry Martin with a certificate of recognition for the departments quick response and professionalism handling the car accident.
Councilor Hathaway presented Deputy Tax Collector Julie Reed with a certificate of recognition for an outstanding job done with the Town’s tax collection. Manager Reed outlined that Veazie has the highest collection rate in the county and possibly the State.
ITEM 5a. School Consolidation Discussion
Manager Reed outlined that he included a time table that had been provided to the Town. Hopefully this puts into perspective how fast this consolidation could happen. He also included a copy of an article that was in the Penobscot Times. The article outlined that Old Town and Union 90 had several schools that were listed as “under performing” schools.
Manager Reed stated that Superintendent Clenchy relayed to him that the Commissioner of Education outlined that discussions should be conducted with the recommended large groupings first as a good faith measure.
Councilor Hathaway outlined that at the pace the Town is going, it is going to fall behind. Someone needs to take a leadership role and call a meeting. Councilor Hathaway pointed out that the first deadline is August 31st, only 7 weeks away.
Chairman Friedman stated that he would like a meeting setup between himself, Councilor Hathaway, Superintendent Clenchy and the chair of the School Committee.
Manager Reed stated that the School Committee is having a meeting on July 17th. Member of the public Marilynn Bishop asked whether it would help to call around to residents to get them to attend the meeting. Chairman Friedman stated that it would be stepping on the School Committee’s toes, however if she as a citizen could do it if she so wished.
Manager Reed mentioned that the State may issue waivers to high performing schools. Orono schools and the Veazie Community School have been ranked as high performing schools and Glenburn was at one time.
Chairman Friedman stated he would like to set up the meeting for the upcoming Monday night in the Council Chambers.
Councilor Perkins inquired on how the rest of the State was addressing the issue. Manager Reed stated that most of the State is working on the consolidation. He discussed different parts of the State and what they are doing.
ITEM 5b. Ambulance Contract Discussion
Manager Reed stated that the Town Attorney reviewed the contract and didn’t see any major issues with it. He did, however, want some more time to review it and write comments. Manager Reed outlined that the Bangor Fire Chief had also followed up with him after the last Council meeting.
Lt. Mike Azevedo followed up on some questions regarding licensing that were asked at the last Council meeting. Veazie will stay licensed as a First Responder and its firefighters/EMTs will be affiliated with Orono’s services. A paramedic would be required to transfer a patient in the ambulance.
Councilor Perkins inquired who would provide ambulance service to the Town if Orono and Veazie’s resources were exhausted. Lt. Mike Azevedo stated that it would be whoever was available, Bangor, Capital Ambulance, etc.
Motion By: Councilor Perkins—to authorize the Veazie Town Manager or his designee to execute an agreement for emergency services with the Town of Orono on behalf of the Town of Veazie under any and all terms and conditions that he and Town’s legal counsel may have pursuant to the agreement submitted and dated July 3, 2007. Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 5c. Discussion of Cartonio Proposal
Chairman Friedman stated that staff discussed the issue with the Town’s attorney. He advised Mr. Cartonio to have his lawyer contact the real estate agent for Kerri Maxell if he would like to purchase the house.
Manager Reed outlined that the contract the Town had with Ms. Maxell was a 30 month contract and was still valid. Now that the taxes are paid in full and the contract was made good on and paid in full, the issue has nothing to do with the Town any longer and a municipal release was issued.
Kerrie Maxell-Cook thanked the Council for their patience with her and she was very glad that it has been resolved.
ITEM 6. Comments from the Public
Police Chief Mark Leonard outlined that there will be an open house at the Penobscot Regional Communication Center on July 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Member of the Public Marilynn Bishop invited the Councilors to drive up Silver Ridge. She outlined that the road is in desperate need of pavement. Manager Reed stated that the road is scheduled to be paved this summer.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report
a. The Town Council reviewed a copy of an email from Principal Scott Nichols to his staff on the ball field matter. Manager Reed outlined that he as well as the Parks & Recreation Director and School Principal walked the fields and did not find any dangerous stones. Infield improvements will begin around July 19th. The Town has ordered 60 yards of infield mix and two tons of turface.
b. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the original 30 month contract with Kerrie Maxell-Cook, a copy of a release deed from the estate of Freeland Jones and a copy of the Cartonio’s possession prior to closing addendum. The contract has been paid off in full and the Town Council needs to take no further action.
c. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a Folk Festival supporter thank you letter.
d. The Town Council reviewed a copy of an open house invitation to the new regional communications center on Thursday, July 12th.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
There were no requests for information or Town Council comments.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 26A &1, Town Payroll Warrant 1, School Warrant 26A, 26B & 1 and School Payroll Warrant 1, were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor King—to adjourn the July 9, 2007 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Perkins—there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of Veazie
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