PRESENT: Councilor Hathaway, Councilor Friedman, Councilor King, Councilor Perkins and Councilor Parker; Manager W. Reed; Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey, CEO A. Thomas, Police Chief M. Leonard, Fire Chief G. Martin, Assistant Fire Chief C. Tenney; Members of the Public Anthony & Valerie Cartonio, Todd Lynch, Gary Brooks, Steven Thebarge, Michael Williams, Donald Pembroke.
ITEM 1. The June 25, 2007 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:02PM.
ITEM 2a. Introduction of New Councilors
Councilor Parker outlined that he grew up in Veazie and returned after college. He stated that Veazie was a nice little Town and wanted to do his part to help out and if anyone has any concerns feel free to contact him.
ITEM 2b. Election of Chair
Motion By: Councilor Perkins—to nominate Councilor Friedman as Council Chair. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway. There were no more nominations. Voted 4-1-0 in favor. Councilor Friedman abstained.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion By: Councilor Hathaway—to accept the June 12, 2007 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 4-1-0 in favor. Councilor Parker abstained due to being newly elected and not at the previous meeting.
ITEM 4. Consideration of the Agenda
Member of the Public Todd Lynch asked to discuss the condition of the ball fields. This was added as item 5c.
Member of the Public Anthony Cartonio asked to discuss a proposal to purchase tax acquired property of the Town. This was added as Item 5d.
ITEM 5a. Reappointments
Motion By: Councilor Hathaway—to approve the appointments listed in Town Staff’s memo dated June 22, 2007 as follows:
Allan Thomas – appointed as Tax Assessor, Code Enforcement Officer, Plumbing Inspector, Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector, E-911 Addressing Officer, Pole Permit Authority and Storm Water Administrator.
John Manter – appointed as Alternate Code Enforcement Officer for Shoreland Zoning only.
John Manter – appointed as a Planning Board member for a three year term ending June 30, 2010.
Kent Tableman – appointed as an Alternate Planning Board member for a one year term ending June 30, 2008.
Suzanne Hart – appointed as a Budget Committee member for a three year term ending June 30, 2010.
Joan Perkins – appointed as a Budget Committee member for a three year term ending June 30, 2010.
Chris Cronan – appointed as a member of the Conservation Commission for a three year term ending June 30, 2010.
John Manter – appointed as a member of the Conservation Commission for a three year term ending June 30, 2010.
Suzanne Malis-Andersen – appointed as a member of the Conservation Commission for a three year term ending June 30, 2010.
Travis Noyes – appointed as a member of the Board of Appeals for a three year term ending June 30, 2010.
Suzanne Hart – appointed as a member of the Board of Appeals for a three year term ending June 30, 2010.
Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 5b. Ambulance Discussion
Councilor Friedman inquired whether the Town received any proposals from Bangor. Manager Reed stated that he spoke with the City Manager and the Fire Chief was going to follow up with the Town, however, never did prior to the meeting.
Assistant Fire Chief Carl Tenney outlined that several months ago the department started working with Capital to renew its contract. During that time, the Town of Orono submitted a proposal that the department was interested in.
AC Tenney stated that once Capital Ambulance moved to Union Street their response time got longer. Orono’s response time could be 4-5 minutes rather than up to 12 with Capital Ambulance. AC Tenney also outlined that Orono has a third ambulance that they are willing to store here at the station. The ambulance would be here for the Town’s use and manpower would not be provided by Orono. The ambulance would be used as a First Response vehicle and would contain more equipment and supplies than the current First Response vehicle.
A member of the public asked what would happen to the current First Response Vehicle. AC Tenney stated that the department would continue to use it as a command vehicle at fires. Fire Chief Gerry Martin added that if the ambulance was already at a call, it would be available to respond to calls.
A member of the public asked the age of the ambulance. Lt. Michael Azevedo stated that he thought it was a 1996. He noted that the ambulance was a diesel and they have longer lives than regular gas vehicles. He also added that it would be Orono’s responsibility to repair and maintain the vehicle.
It was clarified that the ambulance would only be used as a first responder vehicle and Orono would still dispatch an ambulance to transport the patient. A member of the public noted that some people may not understand and wonder why they are waiting for an ambulance when one is already there. Lt. Azevedo outlined that it is going to be an educational experience. He added that Orono has said that Veazie Fire could be placed on the sides of the ambulance.
Councilor Hathaway inquired on the liability aspect of it. Manager Reed stated that Veazie has EMS insurance and Orono has the full insurance since they have Paramedics. He outlined that there are some questions surrounding the liability and the licensing that will have to be addressed.
It was the consensus of the Council for Lt. Azevedo to go to Augusta to look into the licensing. The Council would like to have all of the unknowns answered before signing a contract with Orono.
ITEM 5c. Ballfields
Member of the Public Todd Lynch stated that he would like to see some money put into the ball fields at the school. There was discussion over the condition of the fields including the abundance of rocks.
There was discussion over who actually owned the ball fields. Manager Reed outlined that the land had to be bonded to the school construction project in order to obtain the State funding for the new school
Councilor Perkins asked what Mr. Lynch had in mind for the ball fields. Mr. Lynch outlined that he would like to see the ball fields completely redone and have an engineer come in and look at them.
Chairman Friedman outlined that he would like to have the Recreation Director do an assessment of the fields.
Manager Reed pointed out that no matter how much material the Town puts down on the fields the rocks will still rise to the top. He explained that it is caused by frost action.
Manager Reed reviewed a memo that Principal Nichols had sent to the Town and noted that a plan of action was underway.
Chairman Friedman recommended setting up a meeting between Lou Silver Inc., Manager Reed, Principal Nichols, Recreation Director Rob Young and the community members present at this meeting.
ITEM 5d. Proposal for Purchase of Tax Acquired Property
Member of the Public Anthony Cartonio presented a letter to the Council for their consideration regarding the purchase of tax acquired property located at 1448 State Street. He would like to propose a land installment contract and it would include all back taxes and any legal fees or other expenses incurred by the Town in order to execute a sales agreement.
Manager Reed brought the Council up to date on the property and the events that have occurred up until now with it. Kerrie Maxell, who had been person in possession of the property, had tried to sell it to the Cartonios, however, there were issues when it came to the title.
Chairman Friedman recommended that all of the lawyers of the parties involved get together to discuss this and come to a resolution.
Gary Brooks, Superintendent of the Sewer District, outlined that the District had a lien on the property as well. Mr. Cartonio stated that he was willing to pay all liens owed on the property.
ITEM 6a. School Consolidation Discussion
Manager Reed included a copy of the summary of the law for the school administrative reorganization in the Councilor’s packets as well as a copy of the full law. Manager Reed went over a fiscal model draft worksheet he had done that showed different scenarios. One scenario, “VOOT”, was Veazie joining with Old Town, Orono, Milford, Bradley, Greenbush and Alton. The second scenario was Veazie joining with Bangor (“BV”) and the third scenario was Veazie joining with Orono and Glenburn (“GOV”). Manager Reed went over the fiscal pros and cons of each one with the Council. He noted that Bangor is large enough that it does not need to join with any other school unit.
Councilor Hathaway outlined that there are deadlines that are coming right up. He recommended holding some emergency meetings as soon as possible. He outlined that there is no turning around once the Town chooses its partners.
Manager Reed was looking for two Councilors to be the Council’s liaisons to work with the School Committee on this issue. It was the consensus that Councilor Hathaway and Chairman Friedman would serve as the liaisons.
ITEM 7. Comments from the Public
There were no comments from the public.
ITEM 8. Manager’s Report
a. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the MMA Executive Committee list of proposed officers. It was noted that Manager Reed was on the ballot.
b. The Town Council reviewed a copy of an update from Maine Municipal Association on the Legislature’s adjournment and a comprehensive tax reform package.
c. The Town Council reviewed a copy of an email regarding a meeting that has been scheduled to discuss regional parks and open space planning. Several members of the Conservation Commission will be attending.
d. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a thank you letter from residents regarding the Police Department.
ITEM 9. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
There were no requests for information or Town Council comments.
ITEM 10. Warrants: Town Warrant 26, Town Payroll Warrant 26, School Warrant 26, School Lunch Warrant 26 and School Payroll Warrant 26, were circulated and signed.
ITEM 11. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Perkins —to adjourn the June 25, 2007 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway—there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of Veazie
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