PRESENT: Councilor Friedman, Councilor King, Councilor Hathaway, Councilor Parker, Manager W. Reed, Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey, Office Administrator J. Reed, Parks & Recreation Director R. Young, Police Chief M. Leonard, Public Works Director B. Stoyell, Assessor/CEO A. Thomas, Fire Chief G. Martin, Members of the Public. Chairman Perkins was absent and excused.
ITEM 1. The July 19, 2010 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2a. Election of Chair
Motion By: Councilor King—to nominate Councilor Hathaway as Chair. Seconded: Councilor Friedman. Voted 3-0 in favor. Councilor Hathaway abstained.
ITEM 2b. Setting of Meeting Schedule
It was the consensus of the Council to continue with the every other Monday schedule.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion By: Councilor Friedman—to accept the June 21, 2010 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Parker, Voted 2-0 in favor. Chairman Hathaway and Councilor King abstained.
ITEM 4. Consideration of the Agenda
Parks and Recreation Director Rob Young asked to give an update, this was added as item 5e.
ITEM 5a. Public Hearing – Marijuana Moratorium
Motion By: Councilor Friedman—to open the public hearing to receive comments and written submissions on the proposed Moratorium Ordinance RE: “Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Sites of Marijuana Cultivation.” Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 4-0 in favor.
Manager Reed stated that the moratorium would prohibit town staff from issuing any permits for the dispensing or growing of marijuana in town. The State is only issuing one permit per district and the site for the Penobscot/Piscataquis district has not been chosen yet but the State has been looking in Bangor. Manager Reed outlined that the moratorium would go into effect for 120 days starting June 21st.
Member of the Public Gary Brooks stated that he was in favor of a moratorium.
CEO Allan Thomas outlined that he was contacted by a real estate agent to inquire on using a building at Qualey Granite (formally Gagne Precast).
Motion By: Councilor Friedman—to close the public hearing. Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 4-0 in favor.
Motion By: Councilor Parker—to enact the ordinance entitled Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Sites of Marijuana Cultivation submitted by staff and legal advisors. Seconded: Councilor Friedman, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 5b. Moratorium Extension Request – Communications Tower
CEO Allan Thomas outlined that the Planning Board has made significant progress on the Communication Tower Ordinance however, it will not be ready by the time the moratorium expires. The Planning Board requests an extension of 180 days.
Motion By: Councilor Friedman—to extend the Moratorium Ordinance enacted on March 1, 2010 for an additional period of 180 days from August 15th, 2010. Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 5c. Highway Projects Discussion / Public Works Update
There was discussion on possible highway projects. Member of the public Gary Brooks stated that Main Street was in terrible shape and wondered if there were any plans to pave it. Chairman Hathaway outlined that Main Street was beyond the Town’s budget means. Mr. Brooks asked if it could be done in sections. Chairman Hathaway stated that even doing it in sections is still beyond the Town’s budget means.
It was the consensus to have the Manager, the Town engineer and utilities have a joint meeting to discuss projects and come back at the next Council meeting to coordinate some pavement projects for this year.
Manager Reed outlined that with Butch Free’s retirement, Brian Stoyell has taken over the leadership role of the department as Interim Public Works Superintendent. Brian Stoyell outlined that he is currently working on implementing some new things including a new budget control system. He is also working with Allan Thomas on storm water issues and a solution to fall leaf pickup. Brian Stoyell outlined that he has been in discussion with the City of Bangor on a possible maintenance plan. The plan would allow for the plow trucks to be properly cleaned after a storm.
It was the consensus to have Brian Stoyell come back in four weeks to have a general discussion on what the Council’s expectations are and what the department’s role should be. He will also provide a list of current equipment and its conditions and future equipment expectations.
ITEM 5d. LHO Appointment
Manager Reed outlined that a few years ago the Town’s Local Health Officer resigned. Staff had believed that it fell under the CEO licensing person, however, when the State contacted the Town during the flu season asking who the LHO was it was discovered the Town did not have one due to certification. Manager Reed outlined that he has gone through the training and is qualified to be certified and recommends the Council appoint him.
Chairman Hathaway inquired why wouldn’t an EMT under the Fire Department be the Local Health Officer. Manager Reed explained that in the future that may be a topic of discussion with the Fire Chief and CEO.
Motion By: Councilor King –to appoint the Town Manager as Veazie’s Local Health Officer. Seconded: Councilor Parker, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 5e. Recreation Update
Recreation Director Robert Young outlined that the Community Center Redevelopment Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Recreation Department will be holding a “Veazie Days” on Saturday, August 7th. There will be a 5K race, pancake breakfast, games, music, food, etc. Donald MacKay added that there may be a baking contest as well.
Director Robert Young also outlined that he received five citizen involvement applications for the Recreation Committee.
ITEM 6a. MMA Executive Committee Ballot
Manager Reed outlined that staff supported the petition nominee on the ballot, Clint Deschene, Town Manager for Hermon. The ballot was circulated for signature.
ITEM 7. Comments from the Public
Member of the Public Travis Noyes wished to congratulate Brian Stoyell on being appointed interim director. He outlined that he’s a committed individual and will do a great job. He also added that Recreation Director Robert Young is doing a great job as well.
Member of the Public Travis Noyes inquired on how the “Veazie Days” will be advertised. Recreation Director Robert Young outlined that there will be a flyer, it will be on radio stations, as well as on the website and government station.
ITEM 8. Manager’s Report
The Town Council reviewed the following items:
a. a copy of Fiscal Year 2009-2010 June 30th ending report.
b. a copy of the RSU Assessment
c. a copy of an outline and worksheet on the Veazie Fun Day and Community Awareness Day that the Community Center Redevelopment Advisory Committee and Parks & Recreation Director are working on.
d. a copy of the Dam Removal Order issued by DEP.
e. a copy of a letter from former Public Works Superintendent Butch Free.
f. a copy of a letter from former US Attorney for the State of Maine to Police Chief Leonard.
ITEM 9. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
Councilor King outlined that he did not know the Police Officer that delivered his Council packet and would like to know who new hires are in the future.
Chairman Hathaway stated that he would like to move ‘Comments from the Public’ to the beginning of the agenda so people don’t have to wait through an agenda to make comments. It will be placed after ‘Consideration of the Agenda’.
Chairman Hathaway stated that he appreciated the vote for Chairman. He outlined that the Town has a pretty healthy backlog of issues to sort through from lawyers, accountants, public works and roads to the RSU, the dam, tower and marijuana ordinances and the community center. These are issues that need some sort of closure to them. He would like the Council to be proactive and provide leadership that makes the moral of the employees and community better.
ITEM 10. Warrants: Town Warrant 26a, 1, 2, 2a, 2b and Town Payrolls 26a, 1 and 2 were circulated for signature.
ITEM 11. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor King—to adjourn the July 19, 2010 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Friedman—there was no further discussion. Voted 4-0. Meeting adjourned 8:11 pm.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of Veazie
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