PRESENT: Councilor Hathaway, Councilor Parker, Councilor King Councilor Perkins, Manager W. Reed, Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey, Police Chief M. Leonard, Fire Chief G. Martin, Asst. Fire Chief C. Tenney, Firefighter N. Sirois, E-One Rep. Chris Champagne.
Motion By: Councilor King—to nominate Councilor Hathaway as Pro Tem. Seconded: Councilor Perkins, Voted 3-0-1 in favor. Councilor Hathaway abstained.
ITEM 1. The January 7, 2008 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion By: Councilor King—to accept the December 10, 2007 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Perkins, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
There were no additions to the agenda.
ITEM 4a. Energy Conservation Policy Discussion
Manager Reed enclosed a copy of an energy conservation policy that the City of Bangor is developing for the City Council to consider. If there was consensus, staff could develop a similar policy for the Town of Veazie.
Councilor Perkins stated that the Town of Veazie seemed small to have energy audits. Manager Reed stated that it any were done it would involve the school.
Pro Tem Hathaway stated that the county just undertook an energy audit program. He inquired about bidding out electrical power. Manager Reed stated that he had looked into in the past, however you have to have a consistent draw of electricity and the Town’s is mainly during the day which is peak period. He added that staff had looked into the Maine Power Options Program and they will look into those options again.
ITEM 4b. Pay Per Bag Discussion
Manager Reed stated that the main questions regarding this issue is whether the goal is to reduce costs or increase recycling. He outlined that if the Town increases recycling it may increase our costs. If the Town is trying to reduce cost, eliminating trash collection the trailer parks is an option. To increase recycling the Town could go with a pay per bag system.
Councilor Perkins inquired what happens to aluminum. Manager Reed stated that after they burn the trash there is a slag left over which they shake out and sell to a metal broker.
Councilor Perkins asked what the Town receives in profit on recyclables. Manager Reed stated that it takes a lot of plastic to make a ton, however most residents put their plastic right in the garbage. The bulk of what we are recycling is newspaper and most cases we don’t really profit all that much from it when we net out the costs of collection.
Manager Reed outlined that most residents would probably be upset over a pay per bag system. It also would be labor intensive to have someone in the Town Office to make sure bags were distributed.
Pro Tem Hathaway outlined that it bothers him to see a household with 8 bags of trash by the curb and the household next door with only 1 bag of trash. They are paying the same price yet there is no recycling effort from the household with 8 bags of trash.
Pro Tem Hathaway recommended doing a newsletter on recycled paper during earth week and heighten awareness on this issue. Perhaps offering free recycling bags for those who respond to the newsletter.
Pro Tem Hathaway stated that he could see allowing everyone four bags a week and anything in excess of that would have to purchase bags.
ITEM 4c. Water District Appointment
Motion By: Councilor Parker to reappoint Kenneth Borneman to the Orono-Veazie Water District as the Town’s representative trustee for a term of five years. Seconded: Councilor Perkins, 3-0-1. Councilor King abstained.
ITEM 5a. Fire Department Pumper Truck Update
Firefighter Nick Sirois stated that the reason the department decided to go with an E-One again was due to the fact that it will save time on training. Everyone is already trained on running the pump on the ladder truck and the pump on the new pumper is virtually the same.
It was pointed out that the company that manufactured the Town’s current pumper has been out of business for ten years and parts are becoming scarce.
Pro Tem Hathaway inquired on how many miles were on the Mack. Chief Martin stated that there were 85,034 miles and 4000 hours on the engine.
Manager Reed stated that he would like to see what the Town can get for lease rates as well as have the Town’s legal counsel review the proposal. Chris Champagne stated that the price will remain at the 2007 price until the end of January.
It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with Greenwood/E-One for the purchase of an E-One pumper truck pending legal review and lease purchase agreements.
Pro Tem Hathaway inquired on where the proceeds from the sale of the Mack truck would go. Manager Reed stated that it would be up to the Council, but it could go into the general fund or into a capital fund.
ITEM 6. Comments from the Public
There were no comments from the public.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report
a. The Council reviewed a copy of a photograph and article from the Bangor Daily news that shows our new officer graduating from the Police Academy.
b. The Council reviewed a copy of the Town’s workers compensation mod rate sheet. It is a very favorable 0.80, which is excellent.
c. The Council reviewed a copy of the School Committee’s agenda and minutes.
d. The Council reviewed a copy of the annual report of the Property Casualty Risk Pool from Maine Municipal Association.
Manager Reed stated that the new sand/salt shed cover will be delivered on January 8th and will be installed sometime that week.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
Pro Tem Hathaway inquired about the Town’s government cable channel. Manager Reed stated that it is currently off the air and staff is looking for a new control unit.
Pro Tem Hathaway stated that it was worthy noting that there were positive comments that streets were cleared despite some equipment problems during the last few storms. Public Works did a good job.
Pro Tem Hathaway mentioned the State’s shortfall and how it would affect us if it “trickled down”. He suggested having our Representative or Senator come in to a meeting.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 14, Town Payroll Warrant 14, School Warrant 14 and School Payroll Warrant 14 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor King —to adjourn the January 7, 2008 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Perkins —there was no further discussion. Voted 4-0. Meeting adjourned 8:22 pm.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of Veazie
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