PRESENT: Chairman Champaco, Councilor Hathaway and Councilor Perkins; Manager W. Reed; Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey; Office Administrator J. Reed, CEO A. Thomas, Police Chief M. Leonard, Fire Chief G. Martin, Assistant Fire Chief C. Tenney, Superintendent of Public Works B. Free, Parks & Recreation Director R. Young, Superintendent K. Clenchy, Principal S. Nichols; School Committee Members: Kim Dagher, Gavin Batchedler, Duska Hayman; Budget Committee Members Joan Perkins, John Manter, Bill Hogan; Members
of the Public: Gary Brooks, Cathy Brooks and Steven Thebarge. Councilor Friedman and Councilor King were absent and excused.
ITEM 1. The May 14, 2007 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion By: Councilor Hathaway —to accept the April 30, 2007 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Perkins, Voted 3-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
There were no additions to the agenda.
ITEM 4. Public Hearing – FY 2007-2008 Budget
Motion By: Councilor Hathaway—to open Public Hearing to receive comments on the FY 2007-2008 Budget. Seconded: Councilor Perkins, Voted 3-0 in favor.
Manager Reed stated that the school budget had a gross increase of $353,986 (9.9%) and a net increase of 6.25%. The municipal budget had an increase of $67,568 (3.7%) and a net increase of 1.9%. The school’s budget will exceed EPS and require a special ballot vote once again. The municipal departments budget will be below the LD 1 requirements and fall well within the guidelines once again.
Budget Committee Member Bill Hogan stated that the Budget Committee had an eventful year as far as the budgeting process went. The committee met 8-10 times since last fall. Departments had a lot of great information and the committee felt very well informed. Budget Committee Member Bill Hogan stated that the committee supports the budget as presented.
Chairman Champaco wished to commend the Budget Committee for all of the time they have put in.
Chairman Champaco inquired on whether residents will be voting on the gross increase or the net increase at the Town Meeting. Manager Reed explained that they are voting on both. When voting, residents will be voting on figure amounts for local appropriation, additional local funds and the amount the Town will expend for the fiscal year.
Superintendent Clenchy stated that the increase in the budget was driven by secondary education (tuition to high schools). He also added that the department will have $147,000 in additional money for the coming year compared to the current year.
Councilor Hathaway inquired on how the elementary part of the budget looked. Superintendent Clenchy stated that the increase for elementary education was 1.8%, special education was 2.1% and secondary education was 4.2%.
Councilor Hathaway inquired on whether revenue sharing had been finalized. Manager Reed stated that revenue sharing part 2 should continue and that Veazie’s figures look stable at the present time.
Councilor Hathaway inquired on the municipal valuation. Assessor Allan Thomas stated that he may do an increase in valuations to bring the mil rate down a little but the increase would be less than 5%.
Motion By: Councilor Perkins—to close the Public Hearing and return to regular session. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway, Voted 3-0 in favor.
ITEM 5a. Town Warrant
The Town Warrant was circulated for signature.
ITEM 5b. CBEC Update
Manager Reed stated that Plant Manager Brian Ahern was unable to make it and would reschedule him for another meeting.
ITEM 6a. Manager’s Review
Chairman Champaco stated that she would like to postpone the Manager’s Review until all Councilors could be present.
Manager Reed stated that the next meeting fell on Memorial Day. There was discussion on when to have the next meeting and do the Manager’s Review. It was the consensus of the Council to have a meeting on Monday, May 21st.
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 a newspaper article pertaining to the proposed School Consolidation Plan.
b. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a newspaper article pertaining to open seats of elected boards. The Maine Supreme Court has ruled that boards must have no vacancies. Manager Reed stated that Maine Municipal Association is putting together emergency legislation.
c. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a memo from Sgt. Emery to Officer Angelo commending him.
d. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the School Committee’s minutes and agenda.
ITEM 9. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
Councilor Hathaway inquired on the stage curtain that use to be at the old Town Hall. Superintendent Butch Free stated that the curtain is rolled up and sitting on top of some cabinets out of harms way. Councilor Hathaway stated that would hate to see it rot away and would like to see it preserved and put on display. Manager Reed stated that he would look into possible preservation methods.
Chairman Champaco inquired to Parks & Recreation Director Rob Young whether summer hours had been set yet for the Summer Recreation Program. There was discussion on the pros and cons of extending the program. Director Rob Young stated that a decision had not been made yet, however, one will be made soon.
ITEM 10. Town Warrant 23, Town Payroll 23, School Warrant 23, School Lunch Warrant 23 and School Payroll 23 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 11. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Perkins—to adjourn the May 14, 2007 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway—there was no further discussion. Voted 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of placeCityVeazie
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