PRESENT: Chairman Hathaway, Councilor Friedman, Councilor Perkins, Councilor King, Councilor Parker, Manager W. Reed, Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey, Office Administrator J. Reed, Assessor/CEO A. Thomas, Public Works Superintendent B. Stoyell, Parks & Recreation Director R. Young, Fire Chief G. Martin, Police Chief M. Leonard, Members of the Public.
ITEM 1. The November 22, 2010 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of the Minutes
Councilor Perkins stated he would like to see in the minutes that Representative James Parker spoke positively in favor of the COPS Grant.
Motion By: Councilor King—to accept the November 8, 2010 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded: Councilor Friedman, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
Assessor Allan Thomas stated he would like to give an update on the new state wide building codes. This was added as item 5c.
Chairman Hathaway stated he would like to give an update on the regional collaboration, this was added as item 6b. He would also like to give an update on the Community Center, this was added as item 6c.
ITEM 4. Comments from the Public
Member of the public Gary Brooks inquired about the Town Manager’s contract. Chairman Hathaway stated that the Town Manager is currently operating without a contract and the Town’s attorney is working through the issue.
ITEM 5a. Communication Consultant - Discussion
It was outlined that George Harris met with the Town Manager, Police Chief and Fire Chief earlier in the day to discuss the communication problems and talk about a path forward.
George Harris outlined that he would need more time to look at the specific issues but he thought they were certainly solvable.
Councilor Perkins inquired whether the Town could use existing structures. Mr. Harris stated that generally yes, but it would depend on what those structures are. He would have to survey those existing structures to see if they are useable.
Councilor Perkins inquired whether the solutions were expensive. Mr. Harris stated that sometimes they are relatively inexpensive other times not. Mr. Harris added that in two to three weeks he could have a pretty good idea of what the Town needs to do to resolve its communication problems.
Councilor Perkins inquired whether other metropolitan areas like Bangor and Portland have problems like this. Mr. Harris stated absolutely.
It was the consensus of the Town Council to have the Town Manager engage the consultant to get a proposal and report back.
Member of the public Gary Brooks inquired on who Mr. Harris was. Mr. Harris introduced himself and provided his background education, work and qualifications.
ITEM 5b. Executive Department Update
Councilor Perkins inquired whether the Town had a custodial person. Manager Reed stated that the Town hired the custodian from the school to work a few hours a week here.
Councilor Friedman asked if this item could be something the Council puts solely on an agenda to discuss. It was decided to hold a special meeting on December 13th at 6:30pm to discuss this item.
ITEM 5c. Statewide Building Code
CEO Allan Thomas stated that the new state wide buildings codes would take affect on December 1st. He outlined that if the Town enforces any code it has to be the statewide building code.
Councilor Perkins inquired on whether residential sprinkler systems go into affect on December 1st. CEO Allan Thomas outlined that residential sprinkler systems are not required.
ITEM 6a. Dump Truck Disposition
Manager Reed stated that it would be staff’s recommendation to dispose of the vehicle. It is up to the Council what they think is a fair value.
Barney Silver stated that the vehicle has had a severe lack of maintenance. The truck still has salt in the body, there is tremendous salt damage for a vehicle that age. There are some brake issues, holes in the body and extensive rust damage.
Councilor Friedman inquired on what Mr. Silver’s offer was. Manager Reed outlined that Mr. Silver offered $15,000 for the truck. Whited Peterbilt had evaluated the truck and came up with a value of $16,400.
Motion By: Councilor Friedman—to enter into a contract with Lou Silver Inc. to sell the 2001 Kenworth dump truck for the sum of $15,500 as is where is. Seconded: Councilor King, Voted 5-0.
Chairman Hathaway inquired whether there was any surplus equipment that the Town could return since it would no longer be doing maintenance. Manager Reed stated they will be looking at equipment to see what can be eliminated.
Mr. Silver stated that his facility has a bay with a pressure washer and the Town is more than welcome to come use it for free.
ITEM 6b. Regional Collaboration Work
Chairman Hathaway stated that there was a meeting earlier that day with Bangor and Orono. They are currently working through a regional approach to assessing. They are hoping to have an agreement in the next couple weeks between the communities stating the towns and city want to work together by standardizing. Assessing would be the first test then they could try working on code enforcement. Chairman Hathaway stated the next meeting is scheduled for January 17th at 9:00am in Orono.
ITEM 6c. Community Center Update
Chairman Hathaway stated that he and Manager Reed have been meeting with Don MacKay. Last time Mr. MacKay was at a meeting bonding was discussed. It was the consensus of the Council to have Manager Reed gather financial information bonding to bring back to a meeting. The Committee should be able to give the Council some figures on what it will cost to repair the building. Chairman Hathaway stated that bond pricing is pretty favorable right now. Councilor King asked if something like that had to go to a referendum. Chairman Hathaway stated they would have to have a public hearing and then hold a referendum election.
Chairman Hathaway stated that the RSU held its public hearing last week regarding their bond issue. A grand total of six people attended, five of which were Councilors from the three communities. He outlined that the bond item is being presented as a budget neutral item.
Chairman Hathaway stated that the Penobscot County budget could go up as much as $1,000,000 if Bangor goes with regional dispatch. The increase for Veazie could be substantial.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report
The Town Council reviewed the following items:
a. Information provided by the RSU on the bonding item.
b. A letter from a resident concerning leaf collection.
c. A copy of a reimbursement check from a vendor on warrantee work.
d. A copy of two emails pertaining to the COPS Grant and the Town’s retirement system.
e. A copy of an email about the donated fire truck.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
There were no requests for information or Town Council comments.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 11, 11A and Town Payroll 11 were circulated for signature.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor King—to adjourn the November 22, 2010 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Perkins—there was no further discussion. Voted 5-0. Meeting adjourned 8:09pm.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of Veazie
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