PRESENT: Chairman Friedman, Councilor Hathaway, Councilor King, Councilor Parker, Manager W. Reed, Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey, Office Administrator J. Reed, CEO A. Thomas, Parks & Recreation Director R. Young, Fire Chief G. Martin, Assistant Fire Chief C. Tenney, Police Chief M. Leonard, Public Works Superintendent B. Free; Budget Committee Members J. Manter, M. Bishop and S. Hart.
ITEM 1. The May 11, 2009 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion By: Councilor Parker —to accept the April 13, 2009 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Friedman, Voted 2-0-2 in favor. Councilor King and Hathaway abstained due to their absence.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
Chairman Friedman stated that since there wasn’t a full board perhaps some of the items on the agenda should be tabled until a full board is present. Councilor Hathaway outlined that there should probably be a full board for the Manager’s review however, he would like to discuss the fire truck item. It was decided to table the meeting schedule discussion and the manager’s review until there was a full board present.
ITEM 4a. Public Hearing – Budget FY 2009-2010
Motion By: Councilor King—to open public hearing to receive comments on the recommended budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway. Voted 4-0 in favor.
Councilor Hathaway inquired if there were any indications on how the budget would affect the mill rate.
Manager Reed outlined that the mill rate would probably be the same or less. He added that the tricky part right now is dealing with the carryforward figures and tuition costs with the new RSU. However, it does look like the Town’s net cost will be the same or a little less than this current year’s.
Councilor Hathaway inquired on the county tax. Assessor Allan Thomas stated that the county tax actually went down about $3,000 for the coming fiscal year.
It was outlined by department heads that wages and benefits made up the majority of their increase in budget.
Chairman Friedman inquired on whether the Town would bill the RSU for the crossing guard or continue to pay for it out of the police budget. Manager Reed stated that the Town will do what the other towns do. Currently Orono pays for it out of their police budget so Veazie will continue to do the same. If the towns that make up the RSU decide to change the format, Veazie will follow do the same.
Councilor Hathaway noticed that the line item for cemetery maintenance had not changed for the coming fiscal year and wondered if there was enough money being budgeted and set aside for the care of the cemetery. He noted this because of the concerns that were brought forward by a resident of the community. Manager Reed stated that the amount should be adequate, however any special projects may not be feasible. Councilor Hathaway also inquired about forming a ‘overseer’ committee, it had been discussed at a prior meeting. Manager Reed stated that a committee could still be formed. Two of the councilors were going to speak to some interested residents to see if they would like to be on the committee.
Councilor King inquired on whether valuations would be going up this year. Assessor Allan Thomas stated that the State says that the Town’s values are still under market value and would like him to get the values up however, he will not be increasing values this year.
Councilor Hathaway inquired on the community program line item and whether than amount included the Hammond Street Senior Center donation and whether the Town will be contributing every year. Manager Reed stated that it does include that amount and yes the Town will be contributing every year.
There was discussion on the donation for the Hammond Street Senior Center. The Parks & Recreation budget was amended to include the $2,000 donation for the Hammond Street Senior Center.
Motion By: Councilor King—to close the public hearing. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway, Voted 4-0 in favor.
Motion By: Councilor Hathaway—to adopt the proposed budget with the amendment of $2,000 to the Recreation Budget. Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 4-0 in favor.
Chairman Friedman thanked the Budget Committee.
ITEM 4b. Town Warrant
The Town Warrant was circulated for signature.
ITEM 5a. Fire Truck Discussion
The Councilors discussed their top five picks with one another. Councilor Parker stated that he was not able to come up with five top picks and still thought the Town should have sold it.
The Councilors agreed on the municipality of Beddington. The Town will draft up an agreement of use document which will ensure that the Town will use the truck for the use intended.
ITEM 5b. Meeting Schedule
Tabled until next meeting.
ITEM 5c. Manager’s Review
Tabled until next meeting.
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 a letter from Maine Municipal Association regarding a Safety Grant the Town received.
b. The Town Council reviewed a flyer from Maine Municipal Association Risk Management Services.
c. The Town Council reviewed a letter from the Hammond Street Senior Center thanking the Town for its contribution to the center.
d. The Town Council reviewed the School Committee’s meeting minutes and agenda.
e. The Town Council reviewed the BACTS newsletter.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
Chairman Friedman outlined that he had someone approach him about putting a gazebo at the Senior Housing buildings. There was discussion on the topic. Councilor Hathaway outlined that Eastern Maine Technical College might build one for free. Chairman Friedman stated it would be good to talk to the women that approached him to get their input.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 23, Town Payroll Warrant 23, School Warrant 23, School Lunch Warrant 23 and School Payroll Warrant 22 & 23 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor King—to adjourn the May 11, 2009 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway—there was no further discussion. Voted 4-0. Meeting adjourned 8:24 pm.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of Veazie
| 
