PRESENT: Chairman Friedman, Councilor Hathaway, Councilor King, Councilor Parker, Councilor Perkins, Manager W. Reed, Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey, CEO A. Thomas, Police Chief M. Leonard, Public Works Superintendent G. Free, Town Engineer T. Noyes.
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ITEM 1. The January 20, 2009 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 22, 2008 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Perkins, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
There were no additions to the agenda.
ITEM 4a. Emergency Operations Plan – Proclamation
Manager Reed outlined that the Council had passed the Emergency Management Ordinance earlier this year and part of that ordinance was getting an Emergency Operations Plan implemented. Manager Reed added that this was a “working” document and will need to be updated over time. The proclamation establishes emergency powers and authority to issue a proclamation that an emergency exists in a timely manner.
Motion By: Councilor King—to adopt the Emergency Operations Plan as submitted. Seconded: Councilor Parker, there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 4b. Assessor’s Update
Assessor Allan Thomas was present to give an update on the Bangor Gas property tax abatement request. The abatement request has been made in all communities that Bangor Gas services. It was outlined that all of the assessors from the affected communities are meeting to work together on the request. Allan outlined that he will be going to the Bangor Council meeting where the request will be discussed. He also added that the communities have agreed to share the legal costs of this matter. It was noted that this is a legal matter and discussion on it is limited.
ITEM 5a. Infrastructure Projects Update
Town Engineer Travis Noyes was present to give the Council an update on the work CES, Inc. has been doing. Probes were done on Sunset, Wedgewood and Davis. He outlined that some drainage work should really be done on these streets.
An updated invoice was provided to the Council. The cost ended up being a little more than estimated.
There was discussion on which direction the Council wanted to take in regards to infrastructure improvements, whether they wanted to move forward with an entire design package for the whole town or to do one section at a time.
There was discussion on the possibility of federal stimulus money being provided to municipalities.
Councilor Hathaway outlined that he thought the Town should move forward with design work to do everything within budget constraints. He added that it would be great if a stimulus package comes out and the Town is able to take advantage of it, but if not than he recommends lumping as many projects together as possible and getting them done. He would also like to see the Town give consideration to local construction companies when bid time comes. He would rather see local people put to work and support local vendors.
It was the consensus of the Town Council to move forward with the design process. Manager Reed will come back to a future Council meeting with a real cost estimate of all road projects.
ITEM 5b. MDOT Construction Permits
Manager Reed outlined that the Town received two construction overweight vehicles permits requested by Maine Department of Transportation. The two projects are located on the interstate and should not impact the Town at all due to the fact that the Town does not have an entrance to the interstate.
The Council signed the two permits and they will be returned to MDOT.
ITEM 5c. Mack Truck Update
Manager Reed outlined that the company from Kentucky did not show up by the set deadline. Staff is now recommending that the Town run an ad in the Maine Townsman.
Motion By: Councilor Hathaway—to donate the Mack truck to a worthy Maine community that really needs a pumper but can’t afford one and who writes a compelling story and submits it to the Town. Seconded: Councilor King. Councilor Parker stated that he had a problem with just giving the truck away and wondered whether the Town had visited all avenues of trying to sell it. Manager Reed outlined that it had been listed through a brokerage and on the internet. Voted 4-1 in favor.
Councilor Hathaway also noted that the truck would most likely not be worth anything after setting in the cold all winter, instead of wasting its use why not give it to a deserving Maine community.
ITEM 6. Comments From The Public
There were no comments from the public.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report
a. Manager Reed outlined that staff was able to get the government channel up and running to put the election notice on it. A newsletter was also sent out which was fully dedicated to RSU information. Informational flyers were also printed up and the local news was contacted.
b. Manager Reed stated that a consultant was lined up to fix the school’s cable TV system and to install security cameras to prevent vandalism at the facility.
c. The Town Council reviewed a report by Tax Collector Julie Reed on the Town’s property tax collection. The collection rate is about the same as last years.
d. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the Town’s quarterly investment reports.
e. The Town Council reviewed a copy of a financial analysis of Maine’s finances.
f. The Town Council reviewed a copy of an invitation to Bangor’s 175th birthday celebration.
Councilor Hathaway inquired about damage to the school gym. Manager Reed stated that he had not heard anything but would speak with Principal Nichols.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
There were not requests for information or Town Council comments.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 15 & 15A, Town Payroll Warrant 15, School Lunch Warrant 15 & 15A, School Warrant 15 and School Payroll Warrant 15 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor King —to adjourn the January 20, 2009 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway—there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0. Meeting adjourned 8:06 pm.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of Veazie
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