PRESENT: Council Chair Friedman, Councilor Parker, Councilor Hathaway, Councilors Perkins and Councilor King were present. Also present were Town Manager Reed, Fire Chief Martin, Police Chief Leonard, CEO Thomas, Travis Noyes, Sewer District Superintendent Gary Brooks, District Trustees Steven Thebarge, Gary Brown & Esther Bushway. Also present were 3 members of the public.
ITEM 1. The September 15th 2008 Veazie Town Council was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of minutes: Motion by Councilor Perkins, to accept the September 2, 2008 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor King, There was no discussion, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda: One items was added – 4B. Sewer District Request.
ITEM 4a. Capital Project Bonding Discussion
The manager reviewed the information provided by the Maine Bond Bank pertaining to the possible bonding for Capital Projects. The Town Council reviewed $500,000 and $750,000 options, costs and staff recommendations. The Town Council asked that the manager to prepare a proposal that is similar in cost to what the Town has done / budgeted annually for capital infrastructure projects. It was commented that the CES developed roads list be formally moved into a projects list and to develop a possible future work plan. It was further noted that a public hearing, a lot of paperwork, a Bond Counsel, and a special town meeting would be required for any community bonding.
ITEM 4b. Sewer District Request
The Sewer District requested that the Town not issue a Quit Claim Deed on any of the Crowe properties until their sewer utility bills were paid in full. It was discussed by the Council that it had been discussed in a past meeting but was not in the minutes. It was noted that the Town Council had not issued a Quit Claim Deed for any of the Crowe properties as of this time. The manager outlined that liens had been released after discussion with the Town’s attorney.
Councilor Hathaway motioned to issue a letter to the Crowes and their legal counsel that a Quit Claim Deed will not be issued until the Sewer District’s bills were paid as discussed at the August 18th 2008 Town Council meeting with Mrs. Crowe and her attorney. Seconded by Councilor King. Discussion entailed on the timing required on issues. Voted 5-0; motion passes.
ITEM 5a. School Use Memorandum of Understanding
The Town Council reviewed a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding on school facility shared use with the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department. Consensus of the Town Council was to proceed with its development with the School Committee.
Councilor Hathaway gave a brief update on the RSU development. It was noted that the selected name for the (Veazie – Orono – Glenburn) RSU was “Riverside”. He outlined that several public hearing comment sessions had been held and that participation had ranged from 18 – 36 members of the public. It was noted that many items still need to be developed and addressed but the structure of the new school unit is underway. It was discussed that no firm cost savings had been set but areas where cost savings may occur. It was also noted that cost might increase during the start up years of the new school unit also. The public is encouraged to attend RSU meetings and give comment. It was detailed that the goal of having a January ballot to approve the creation of the district was still
online and that hopefully if all goes well the new school unit would be operational by July 1, 2009.
ITEM 6. Comments from the Public
Travis Noyes was present to discuss that he wanted to have his drainage matter addressed on Hobson Ave. The manager outlined that the project was being stalled due to the Water District. It seems that they will not allow the installation of the system within the area defined due to waterlines. The manager outlined that the Town’s engineering firm CES is working with the District to resolve the conflict.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report:
The Town council reviewed the following items in the manager’s report:
A copy of an invitation to the Senior Housing project phase 2 open house.
A copy of the Town’s irrevocable standby letter of credit from the federal home loan bank.
A copy of the School Committees minutes and agenda.
A copy of a letter outlining that Fairpoint Communication plans to develop and dispatch WiMax in the future.
A thank you letter for the Public Works Department.
A thank you card to Chief Leonard.
ITEM 8. Request for information and comments by Council:
Councilor questioned CEO Thomas on his actions pertaining to the code issues at the Crowe properties.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 6, Town Payroll Warrant 6, School Warrant 6, School Lunch Program Warrant 6 and School Payroll Warrant 6, were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Hathaway to adjourn. Seconded: Councilor Parker, there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
William Reed
Town Clerk
| 
