PRESENT: Chairman Friedman, Councilor Perkins, Councilor Parker, Councilor Olson, Manager W. Reed, Deputy Treasurer J. Reed, Police Chief M. Leonard, Fire Chief G. Martin, Public Works Director B. Stoyell, Recreation Department Director R. Young, Members of Eaton Peabody Consulting Group, and Members of the Public. Councilor King excused by Chairman Friedman.
ITEM 1. The August 1, 2011 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:01PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion by Councilor Olson to amend Item 6a.: Funding Action to say, “The extra $10,000 is to offset the increase in the sewer assessment.”. Seconded by Councilor Perkins, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of Agenda
No Additions
ITEM 4. Comments from the Public
None
ITEM 5a. Appointment of Interim Assessor
Motion by Councilor Perkins to appoint Benjamin F Birch Jr. to the position of Assessor for a one year term expiring on July 31st 2012 under terms and conditions as submitted by the City of Bangor dated July 27th 2011. Seconded by Councilor Olson, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 5b. CCRAC – Consultant Recommendation
Motion by Councilor Perkins to order the Town Manager to execute the letter of engagement to provide TIF Amendment Services from Eaton Peabody Consulting Group for community infrastructure projects. Seconded by Councilor Olson, Voted 4-0 in favor.
Councilor Perkins questioned, “What’s the total potential of shelter and what’s our limit?” A committee member answered, “Total value of TIF can’t exceed 2% of your valuation. There is a limit, but it is rarely met.”
Councilor Parker questioned, “Do you know if Glenburn and Orono are looking at doing anything like that?” Manager Reed, answered “Well, that’s just it. The RSU, when I was discussing with them about changing the formula, they’re very not into changing the formula in a quick manner. The only way that you can effectively reduce it is to do that.”
Motion by Councilor Perkins to Order the Town Manager to execute the letter of agreement with WBRC Architects – Engineers dated Feb 9th 2011. WRBC will contribute $2400 of in kind contribution and the Town will pay the remaining balance of $4800 plus reimbursable items from the FY 2010/2011 Executive Department lapsed funds. Seconded by Councilor Olson, Voted 3-1 in favor.
Councilor Parker stated that he thought the Town should put it out to bid. He would have like to have gotten a couple more prices.
Concern expressed by Chairman Friedman about AA members littering their cigarette butts at the site. Agreed to put buckets on site.
ITEM 5c. Audit Overview
Deputy Treasurer Julie Reed reported that auditors were in and out in 3 hours. Follow up by Auditors with Manager Reed of 3 questions. Auditors will follow up with Deputy Treasurer Reed for end-of-year.
Deputy Treasurer Reed reported that 30 liens were placed today for last years taxes.
ITEM 6a. Fund Balance Discussion
Councilor Perkins questioned, “How are we doing setting aside 10%?” Answered by Manager Reed, “We have $600,000 set aside for the working capital fund.”
ITEM 7. Additions by Council
Chairman Friedman stated that he would prefer to have Don Jutton come meet with the council rather than call them by telephone so that they could tell him their goals and their would be no miscommunications. Councilor Parker stated that he would just rather talk to him over the phone than pay him to drive from New Hampshire. Councilor Olson suggested a conference call. Manager Reed explained that the consultant will be placing phone calls to send each councilor a survey and then make individual follow up phone calls on the surveys, followed by follow up e-mails, and then meet with the councilors as a group before his report is generated.
Councilor Perkins asked Chief Leonard if he had looked into engine breaks. Chief Leonard stated that there is actually no effective ordinance. Manager Reed clarified that signs have been ordered.
Councilor Perkins asked about the issue with gas cards for the cruisers and asked where we are now with the cards. Chief Leonard explained that there were problems with vendors but they will be able to be accepted now. Councilor Perkins asked about the price and if there had been any shopping around. Manager Reed explained that the differences aren’t that much in the local area.
Chairman Friedman stated that the traffic lights on State Street are flashing yellow. Chief Leonard explained that the lights are broken and the parts have been ordered, but that he thinks it’s seriously time to replace the box.
ITEM 8. Manager’s Report
The Council reviewed the following items:
Memo submitted by Julie Reed containing information pertaining to how much the Town has spent in the last year with CES. Councilor Olson requested Engineering/Storm Water costs for the past 5 years for the next meeting.
Minutes from the Conservation Committee, the Sewer District, and the Healthy Homes Committee.
Thank you letter from the Hathaway family for flowers.
ITEM 9. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
ITEM 10. Review of Town Warrants 3 and Town Payroll 3
ITEM 11. Adjournment: Motion by Councilor Perkins to adjourn the August 1, 2011 Town Council Meeting. Seconded by Councilor Parker. There was no further discussion. Voted 4-0. Meeting adjourned 7:51 pm.
A true record, Attest:
Amanda Blethen
Assistant Clerk
Town of Veazie
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