PRESENT: Chairman Friedman, Councilor Parker, Councilor King, Manager W. Reed, Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey, Fire Chief G. Martin, Police Chief M. Leonard. Councilor Hathaway was absent and excused.
ITEM 1. The March 3, 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 February 4, 2008 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Parker, Voted 3-1-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
There were no additions to the agenda.
ITEM 4a. Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing District Annual Report
Manager Reed outlined that included in the Councilor’s packets was a copy of the Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing District Annual Report. It is a new requirement by the State that the municipal legislative body vote to approve it.
In submitting this report, the Council certifies that the public purpose of the affordable housing district is being met and that the required housing affordability and other conditions of approval, including limitations on uses of tax increment revenues for approved development project costs, set forth in the Certificate of Approval issued by Maine State Housing Authority for the District and the related Affordable Housing Development Program are being maintained.
Motion By: Councilor Perkins—to approve the Annual Report for the Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing District as submitted by the Town’s Assessor. Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 5a. Lease Purchase Proposal
Manager Reed outlined that Municipal Services Group gave the Town the best rate once again. Staff is recommending the seven year lease purchase at a interest rate of 3.52%.
Motion By: Councilor King—to authorize the Town Manager to award the lease purchase to Municipal Services Group of Littleton, CO. for the term of 7 years at the rate of 3.52% under any and all terms and conditions that he and the Town’s Attorney deem necessary and appropriate to execute said lease purchase agreement. Seconded: Councilor Perkins, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 6. Comments from the Public
There were no comments from the public.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report
a. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the Town’s quarterly cash distribution return from the Municipal Review Committee.
b. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a letter from the Hammond Street Senior Center thanking the Town for its donation.
c. The Town Council reviewed a copy of an email from a resident on Hobson Avenue regarding a water drainage issue. Manager Reed outlined that there isn’t much the Town can do, maybe catch basins.
d. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the Fire Department’s monthly report.
e. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the School Committee’s meeting minutes and agenda.
Manager Reed informed the Council that he had appointed Deputy Clerk Karen Humphrey to Interim Office Manager in the absence of Office Manager Julie Reed, who has been on medical leave.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
Councilor Perkins inquired on how the budget was coming along. Manager Reed stated that there is a budget meeting coming up on March 18th. It may need to be pushed back another week due to the shortage of staff in the office. However, Deputy Clerk Karen Humphrey has become familiar with the software and will be able to print out the budget reports.
Councilor Perkins outlined that he is concerned with the school’s budget. Manager Reed outlined that the Town has been under LD 1 for three years already and we have always come in under the cap or at the cap. He added that some have been is projecting that the Town’s state aid is going to be less this year due to the $190 million shortfall and that if the School does not come in with a realistic budget increase the mill rate will be 20+.
Manager Reed also mentioned residents saying that the Town is spending too much money and why don’t they get rid of the police department. He outlined that if you got rid of the police department it would only decrease the mill rate by 1.0 to 1.5 mills. But even then you have to replace it with something like the Sheriff’s Department and that costs money. Chairman Friedman added that contracting out for police services leaves the municipality with no control over cost.
Chairman Friedman stated he would like the School Committee to come to a meeting so that they may all sit down and discuss the upcoming budget.
Councilor Perkins complimented Fire Chief Martin and Police Chief Leonard on a job well done at the incident on State Street the week of February 27th. Chairman Friedman echoed the same comments.
Chairman Friedman also complimented the Public Works Department for the great job they do on the roads. He outlined that he does a lot of traveling and other communities’ roads are not as clear.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 18 & 18A, Town Payroll Warrant 18, School Warrant 18, School Lunch Warrant 18 and School Payroll Warrant 18 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Perkins—to adjourn the March 3, 2008 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor King —there was no further discussion. Voted 4-0. Meeting adjourned 7:26 pm.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of Veazie
| 
