PRESENT: Council Chair Friedman, Councilor Parker, Councilor Hathaway, Councilors Perkins and Councilor King were present. Also present were Town Manager Reed, Police Chief Leonard, Assessor Thomas, Parks and Rec. Director Young, Town Engineer Noyes, a News Reporter and three residents.
ITEM 1. The February 2, 2009 Veazie Town Council was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of minutes: Motion by Councilor King, to accept the January 20th, 2009 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Perkins There was no discussion, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda: Nothing was added to the agenda.
ITEM 4a. Parking Discussion
Resident Al Suddy explained that the local church was looking to acquire the Dang property and they wished to possibly co-develop a park and ride lot on State Street. The Town Council discussed the matter and expressed a desire to allow the Town to work with Mr. Suddy on this idea.
Motion by Councilor Hathaway to allow the Town’s staff and consultants to work with Mr. Suddy on the possible development of a park and ride lot to be located on State Street and to come back jointly with development options for the development. Seconded by Councilor King. Brief discussion entailed on ensuring that all codes and regulations would be met. Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 5a Penobscot River Restoration Trust Update
Resident Joe King expressed some concerns pertaining to the removal of the Veazie dam as outlined in the Penobscot River Restoration plan. He outlined that he believed that it would ruin the bass fishing which is world class. He also expressed concerns on losing community valuation due to the dam’s removal and lastly he was concerned with the decrease in hydro power electrical production and a possible increase in oil dependence.
The manager outlined that the Trust was scheduled to be at the meeting but a conflict had come up in another community. He outlined that they outlined that they would like to reschedule for a future meeting to answer any questions that the public and Town Council may have. They had noted that the FERC filing was volumous and a lengthy read.
The Town Council thanked Mr. King for his comments.
ITEM 5b. Infrastructure Discussion
The Town Council reviewed the Town Engineer’s report and update on the proposal for design services of the infrastructure. It was discussed it is still unknown how federal stimulus funds will be distributed. It was noted that designs can be kept and will be very useful for many years and that bonding still maybe a future option to fund all the proposed reconstruction projects at once.
Councilor Hathaway motioned to authorize the Town Manager to execute the proposal for engineering design services for all of the road reconstruction projects discussed and detailed within the proposal for a sum not to exceed $60,000.00. Seconded: Councilor Perkins. There was discussion pertaining to a time table and drainage concerns. The engineer outlined that drainage was going to be a big part of the redesigns and would be reviewed in detail to avoid another Hobson Ave issue. Voted 5-0 motion passes.
ITEM 6. Comments from the public: There were no comments
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report:
The Town council reviewed the following items in the manager’s report:
a. The Town Council reviewed a letter of interest from the Town of Weld, Maine expressing interest on the Mack fire truck. This will be an item for discussion at the next meeting. Chris Champaign found this community very much in need. He outlined that he would also contact some additional communities this week. Manager Reed outlined he also spoke with the community of Reed Plantation. They have not sent a letter as of yet.
b. The Town Council reviewed a copy of an informational packet that was sent to the Budget Committee.
ITEM 8. Request for information and comments by Council:
Chairman Friedman asked for an update on the proposed sale of the Mack.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 16, Town Payroll Warrant 16, School Warrant 16, School Lunch Program Warrant 16 and School Payroll Warrant 16, were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Hathaway to adjourn. Seconded: Councilor King, there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
William Reed
Town Clerk
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