In the News: March 11, 2008
Here’s a round up of this morning’s coverage of the town meeting last night:
South Berwick Town Manager asked to leave
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Town Manager Jeff Grossman insisted he “isn’t going anywhere” after acknowledging Monday night at a Town Council meeting that a member or members of the council asked him to resign…
S. Berwick boss may lose his job
Portsmouth Herald
Town Manager Jeffrey Grossman announced publicly on Monday that the Town Council has asked him to resign his position or it will take legal steps to remove him…
the236diner recap of the meeting is in a previous post .
Tags: news, south berwick, town council, town manager
March 11th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Can I ask why people are fighting developing resources for town income? Why aren’t people working with our manager to improve this town?
March 11th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Let me guess-the anti-business growth town council members want to fire the Town manager, is that about right? Yes that makes alot of since. Lets not do anything to broaden the tax base in this town and just watch the taxes go through the roof! As a 41 year resident of this town I am appalled by whats going on. All this town manager has tryed to do is try to wake up the population in this town to what is coming down the road if we do nothing but encourage residential growth. Look at every surrounding community and make a list of what that town has for business and industry to offset the tax rates. We have nothing but a handful of mom and pop storefronts and a beautiful golf course(and I am one of these business owners) but everyone wants everything on a silver platter. It is not Mr. Grossman’s fault that the tax rate will be 20-25% higher next year. The cause is and more then likely will always be on the education/SAD 35 funding problem and lack of funding from the State level. Mr Grossman has no control over this! Just look to Eliot to see how a town controls and maintains proper growth patterns over time to maintain a sable tax rate. Just watch and see what their tax rate will be next year when the new 36 million dollar natural gas plant that is being built on Route 236 comes on line next year. So. Berwick could take a few pages out of their play book….
March 12th, 2008 at 6:25 am
It is time residents stop voting in every single increase proposed by the school board. That is why taxes are so high. Can’t we ‘just say no’ when the school administration whines about needing more money? If the money went into the classrooms, that would be fine, but it always seems to go to the administrators.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I would like to share the letter that I read to the South Berwick Town Council on March 10. The letter follows:
Sue Roberge, Town Council Chairwoman:
I would like this letter to be part of the town council meeting and record.
I recently opened the Foster’s Daily Democrat to read that South Berwick residents have a budget crisis that “could mean a 26 percent tax rate increase.” This is insanity at its best.
Let us recount some facts:
• South Berwick’s town manager, has pursued various avenues to attract businesses into the town to broaden the tax base so that huge increases in the tax rate would be minimized
• Attraction of businesses into the town would benefit the entire town’s residents
• We have a newspaper that has not been accountable to all the people of South Berwick by not printing the news of the South Berwick Town Council meetings. As such, the Foster’s has done a great disservice to the residents. Many older residents do not drive after dark due to vision problems and younger residents are too busy with children’s after school programs to have the available time
Prior to last November’s election of town council members, I listened to the speeches of the various people running for town council. I was under the distinct impression that the electees were to place a priority on “unifying the council and working together.” In fact, this has not happened. I doubt that it will ever happen with members of this group having their own personal agenda, for example “This is a town where we live. We shop and work someplace else.” I do not believe that this philosophy includes most of the residents’ views.
In all the years I have been a resident of South Berwick, there has never been a council like this one. Some members are acting like spoiled brats having temper tantrums if they can’t get their own way. All have taken an oath to uphold the South Berwick Town Charter, yet quite the opposite is so. The lack of respect for laws is the ultimate show of arrogance and ignorance. The undermining of the work of the town manager and other council members at every turn is so sinister and insidious. The lying, deceit and accusations is beyond the pale and is totally unacceptable.
Some of these same people want a new multi million dollar library. Thus far, the library building project has been talked about in various places throughout the town. I do not dispute the fact we need a different facility for the town library. I don’t think we need such a huge building that the expenses of that building become burdensome.
It is time that all council members work with the town manager and work as a unit for the betterment of the town. If this is impossible for you, resign your position or risk being held accountable within the court system (if necessary). Even first graders act better than this.
The manager and certain other town council members are working for the benefit of the town. I commend you for recognizing where this town currently stands, where we need to go, and trying your best to pursue a path that will ultimately stabilize the town.
March 13th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I can’t believe what I’ve read in the comprehensive plan. Once I saw who was on the committee it was easy to see that some of these changes came straight from the Great Works Regional Land Trust. First off just the fact they want to expand Zone R5 is too much. Then to want to make this 5a min. for a house lot. On top of that changing the set backs on waterfront from 100′ to 250′ and 250′ to 400′.
I am disappionted to say the least. I’ve always supported them and encourage others to do the same. Up until now I though that they have done a good job preserving land and purchasing easemnet. With these changes what they are doing is taking land from hard working people and in some cases from families who have held there land for many generations.
I do realize that at this point these changes are only recommendations but if any of these three changes stay in the plan to be submited it puts a very dark cloud over the GWRLT. I feel this wil start the undoing of any good work they have done thus far and will come back three fold on them in the future.
It’s just not right. If you want it continue to buy it. Don’t steal it!!!
March 13th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Why don’t you contact members of the land use committee and ask them their thinking about their (unanimous, I understand) recommendation of 5 acre minimum lot sizes in the most rural part of South Berwick? The comprehensive plan is lengthy, but enlightening to read, a product of a broad spectrum of townspeople. FYI, the state recently passed new shoreline protection regulations to which towns must comply.
LAND USE COMMITTEE
Brad Christo, Chairman
Cliff Cleary
Cheryl Dionne
Marcia Flinkstrom
Karen McCarthy-Eger
Terrence Parker
Barbara Patterson
Paul Schumacher
Charlie Smith
Jerry Tatlock
March 13th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Rick is mistaken, the Great Works Regional Land Trust does not and never has participated in the comprehensive planning process or in designing land use ordinances in a community.
For over twenty years the Land Trust has successfully worked with over 80 landowners in conserving significant recreational, wildlife, agricultural, forestry, and water resources for all to benefit and enjoy. Every conservation project has been with willing partners only.
The organization has succeeded in the five towns of Eliot, the three Berwicks, Wells and Ogunquit because increasingly landowners are recognizing that the best use of land is not always to develop it. The organization’s growing number of supporters are saying that clean water, air, a place to hunt, go for a hike, find locally produced food and wood products is just as important to the well being of a community as economic development and housing.
In addition, several studies in New England have shown that conserved land helps keep property taxes low for the simple reason that conserve land requires very little in town services such as schools, police, roads, or fire protection.
March 13th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
The Comprehensive Plan is advisory only. It followed a townwide survey, a widely attended public meeting, and residents working on eight subcommittees open to the participation of all. They put in thousands of hours of subcommittee work over many months, debating and compromising. This entire 5-year process was led by a steering committee made up of: Jack Shipley, Bob Gagne, David Webster, Tom Harmon, Dennis Smith, Jack Kareckas, and Brad Christo. After a series of hearings they approved the plan unanimously.
March 13th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I would like to address the petition being circulated around town. This is a petition to have a vote in June on whether or not to amend the town charter.
The amendment is to provide for a recall provision to be in the charter.
The South Berwick town charter has never had this provision but probably should have had it since 1971.
Basically it gives the people the right to remove elected officials from office if they DO NOT act in the best interest of all the people.
This amendment is long overdue because if the voters can elect someone into office, they should also be able to remove someone from office.
Almost all towns and cities have this provision in their charters.
This amendment is only for the charter and is in no way directed toward any particular elected official.
I hope this answers any questions folks may have. I hope everyone will sign the petitions being circulated around town.
Thanks.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I wonder how many voters realize that the conflicting Town Council/Town Manager problems started with the election of Michelle Karekas.
After she was elected she stated “I was elected to be a thorn, and I will continue to be.”
She also said in the 11/7/07 Foster’s Daily Democrat article “We live here. We work someplace else. We shop someplace else.”
Perhaps she should consider resigning.
March 14th, 2008 at 9:31 am
I should apologize to Tin and the Great Works Regional Land Trust for saying they acted as an organization. I will state the facts as I have them in front of me in black and white.
I should have said that key people in the GRWLT or in some cases their spouses also were on key boards on the comprehensive plan. Also the Mt. Agamenticus to the Sea Conservation Initiative of which the GWRLT is part of. The coalition has stated that they haved worked with municipal officals. One of sevral accomplishments has been to guide growth away from Mt. Agamenticus.
I do know a few people on these committees and when I see them I do intend to ask them how this came to be!
The survey everyone keeps bringing up, as far as I can tell less than 600 people replied. In a town of more than 6,000 in no way represents any kind of a general consensus.
No matter how this came about I don’t know how anyone can say this is not the talking of land from hard working people.
March 14th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I have lived in South Berwick for 20 years now and can see the effect of the anti-buisiness culture that is in this town. Downtown has some businesses, but not the larger ones that will bring in business. I think that the Route 236 area is ripe for such development as there is not much out there now.
We also need a traffic light right in the square. I know that it takes away from the “village” feel of the town, but if you are stuck in traffic, you don’t really care. Having the “traffic cop” direct traffic is nice, when they are there, but I have found that they are not there when it is really needed. If you want the “village” feel, then get some antique looking traffic lights and put them in.
March 14th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
It is interesting that NO MENTION of the pumping station for the gas line that would have brought onto the tax rolls $400,000.
March 14th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Sorry forgot to say in either the Foster’s or the Portsmouth Herald.
March 14th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I agree whole-heartedly about the traffic light.
I also agree about 236 being ripe for bringing in businesses.
With the amount of traffic going through town, and down 236, we should be able to attract some businesses who would like to take advantage of it.
One thing I don’t understand.
I believe there is some type of ordinance preventing any chain type businesses from opening. Is this only in the downtown area, or through out the town?
March 15th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Councilors Michelle Kareckas, Jean Demetracopoulos and David Burke should be ashamed of themselves for:
1. acting worse preschool children during council meetings,
2. not following the town charter at meetings,
3. calling for an illegal executive meeting when Chairman, Suzanne Roberge and Councilor Robert Gagne told them it was illegal and why it was illegal,
4. working against the town manager’s attempt to broaden the So. Berwick tax base by bringing jobs to town,
5. calling for the town manager’s resignation without just cause,
6. spending thousands of tax dollars from the legal account not to mention the monies it will cost to buy out the town manager’s contract and thousands more to hire a new manager.
Mr. Grossman was hired to bring economic development and jobs to So. Berwick. His attempts have failed because of a special interest group, including some town councilors. Ms. Kareckas has stated in the local newspapers and in public meetings that “we sleep here and work and shop elsewhere”. This is the wrong attitude for a town councilor to take. She should be working to better the town and encourage economic development. Mr. Grossman has done nothing wrong. He has been performing the job he was hired to do. He has been working extremely hard and in the best interest of the town to expand the tax base. He has been asked to resign. He has been told if he does not resign, legal action will begin. He has been given NO REASON why he should leave. Evident at the 3/10/08 town meeting there was an outpouring of support for the work he has done not only from town employees but from the public as well.
Town Councilors are supposed to represent THE ENTIRE TOWN not just a special interest group. In representing only a special interest group, they are going the town’s people a great injustice!!!
The town’s business needs to be done in an open forum as designated in the So. Berwick Town Charter. Conducting town business via email or telephone goes against the town charter and is illegal!!!
As a former So. Berwick Town Councilor, I encourage everyone to attend Council Meetings so you can see for yourselves what is going on and how some of your elected officials behave. You owe it to yourself and your town!!!
I am requesting that Councilors Kareckas, Demetracopoulos and Burke RESIGN their current office because they are not upholding their “oath of office” and acting in the best interest of So. Berwick citizens!!!
Respectfully submitted,
Clifford Cleary
207-384-2430
cliffcleary@gmail.com
March 15th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Could Rick site specifically where the plan requires increasing the setback from waterfront? I have found no references to increasing setbacks to 400′ and would like his direction as to where that is in the plan.
Also Rosie, If the gas company wanted to locate in South Berwick, couldn’t they have bought land from Barletta, just as the town offered to do a couple of years ago. I believe they bought 70+ acres in Eliot, because they wanted a large buffer around the pumping station. In South Berwick, the gas line runs right along rte 236. There is the Pike quarry where there is a lot of blasting, there is Woodland Hills which has a lot of residents and there is the highway which services 20,000(?) cars per day.
March 15th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I’m confused by some of the comments here.
To my knowledge, Councilors Kareckas, Demetracopoulus, and Burke are not against economic development or broadening of the tax base.
What they are against is the manner in which Town Manager Grossman wanted to go about it. Rather than open and public rezoning, Mr. Grossman wanted to enact “Contract Zoning”. His proposal would halve allowed spot rezoning to be done behind closed doors, bypassing the planning board.
The comments on this blog put forward that they were acting in a “special interest group”. I really don’t understand how this position can be defended, given that when Contract Zoning went up for public vote, over 70% of voters turned it down.
Bear in mind that “70% of voters” isn’t just a statistic. That means that 7 out of every 10 citizens in South Berwick were against contract zoning. How can that be called a special interest group?
The Councilors are against Mr. Grossman’s secretive and divisive policies. From my experience, he is a rude and condescending man, and it does not surprise me that many people want him out of office.
As for economic development, I’m all for it. However, let’s do it in an open and respectful manner such that everyone can see and agree with it.
Enjoy the weekend,
Adam
March 15th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
If Michelle Kareckas can no longer work (her own words) with the Town Manager than she needs to resign as do Jean Demetracopoulos and David Burke and relace them with people who truly have the best interest of South Berwick in the 21st century at heart.
March 15th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Which makes more sense:
1. Force the resignation of three long-time South Berwick citizens, elected by and supported by many other long-time South Berwick citizens.
2. Force the resignation of an unelected manager who, to my knowledge, doesn’t even live in South Berwick.
March 15th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Hello All,
This is an important discussion, but we need to be careful not to descend into name-calling and character attacks.
Adam, I think you make some good points, but describing someone as “rude and condescending” is a personal judgment and can only be inflammatory.
In my view the important thing here is democracy. Michelle Kareckas and David Burke were recently elected out of a field of four candidates. They won by very wide margins.
Independent of the subsection of people who post on this blog, they clearly have support in the community.
Jeff Grossman is the Town Manager. The position of Town Manager is not an elected position. The Town Manager is hired by the Town Council, like an employee. He is under their authority.
The Town Manager is now deemed unsuitable by a majority of the Town Council, representing a majority of voting citizens.
The town is in an unfortunate position, but it is not the end of the world. We’re all one community here, and in the end all will be well. Please try to stay objective - incendiary comments are not helpful in any way.
Best wishes to all,
Joshua
March 15th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
What I’ve observed in this argument is that there is a pretty distinct line in the sand, the life long residents want economic development and tax relief and the relatively new (since the early 80’s) don’t want or need it.
March 15th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
After reading the Saturday morning Fosters Daily Democrat, I have to ask this question – how much money (tax dollars) is being wasted on this town manager witch hunt? Apparently the town manager has done nothing illegal or immoral, but the three councilors mentioned in the article don’t really care. Just because you don’t like a person’s management style, doesn’t mean you can fire them! I think all So. Berwick tax payers should demand a full accounting of how much has been spent and demand that these three councilors either pay the money back to the town or resign from office.
March 15th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
First and furmost our elected town council members must obey the laws that are set in our town charter-they are the employees of the people!! Discussing town business outside of council meetings, phone calls/emails among each other are prohibitive, illegal executive meetings are prohibitive. If these elected members are not going to obey the town charter I want them gone. Under the Maine Right to Know Law we will soon find out what has been going on behind the scenes with these members as they have been asked to turn over all e-mail records and phone logs for the past 30 days and I have been told if they don’t the Attorney General will be handling the matter.
South Berwick is one of the few towns that does not have a provision in it’s charter to remove a council member before their term expires if the vote of the town so wants it. There is currently a partition going around town to have this changed and I would encorage all to sign it as I have ( and also Councilor Demetracopoulus has) to be able to remove a town council member who is not performing their job as should be.
It is time to get this town back on track and stop being the laughing stock of York County. This will not happen if people do not get involved ( such as myself choosing to keep quiet all these 40 so years). Not anymore-I’m mad as heck and I’m not going to take it anymore!
March 16th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
This whole situation is an embarrassment to the town and people of South Berwick. I have lived in this town my whole life, and I would love to continue to live in this town. With the tax rate increasing so dramatically on top of every other living expense increasing, that probably will not happen. This town is a great place to live, work, and do business.
I don’t believe this situation was caused just by Mr. Grossman or just by any member (s) of the Council. It was caused by both. It takes two to tango.
I do believe that Mr. Grossman probably does have the best interests of the town at heart. He is right that we desperately need to draw business into this town, no question. However, nobody in their right mind is gonna think that if they are being served a full meal, that there was not time and preparation behind it. Some of the ideas presented have been presented as such, ideas, when it has been clear that there has been plenty of work done behind the scene to present a full package, not merely an idea.
I believe that the councilors involved also have the best of intentions. However, having a public knee jerk reaction to a problem that could have clearly been foreseen by anyone is not appropriate or helpful.
This situation is not going to be resolved by bickering over who was at fault and who should take the blame. That game can be played later if those people really feel the need. The focus should be on solving the rising tax problem in this town, not petty bickering among each other in an embarrassingly public fashion. A little personal responsibility goes a long way, and remember, when you point a finger in blame at someone else, there are three more pointing back at you. Stop bickering and start working, or step down and let someone who actually wants to problem solve step up.
March 16th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I can remember when this was a nice town back before the “village” died, over 30 years ago, when places like Whiteheads and Dover Auto where here. We’ve come a long ways and not for the better!
The information on the set backs came up at the last councilors meeting. I’ve gone back thru the comprehensive plan myself. I didn’t see the 400′ part either but I have to look into the part that wants to expand the shore zoning protection to wetlands above 2 acres where the 250′ set backs are hidden.
I should thank Bob for the question because in going back over the plan I found so many things hidden in the land use and natural resourses part I don’t even know where to start.
They want to consider adopting or Applying so many things from other places who knows what hidden in them like: the Great American Neighborhoods, Natural Resources , “Beginnning with Habitat” other towns ordinaces. That’s a few but who knows what hidden in them.
I counted at least 11 times where we should use the GIS overlay map and other overlay maps as well. What’s on them? I’ll tell you none of it is good!
I found a web page that scared the heck out of me and I urge everyone check it out. Then read the goals in our comprehensive plan. It’s called Against the Grain Press and check out Livid Leigh or www.atgpress.com/livid/livid023.htm
If anyone can support our plan after reading that then you don’t care about the people in this town.
March 16th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
JCH - I couldn’t agree with you more!!! This is why I urge So. Berwick citizens to attend council meetings. Let your voice be heard.
Ken - I agree that a small group of residents that have come hear since the 80’s do not want economic development. Most people I have talked with, both life long and new residents are very much in favor of economic development to broaden the tax base and bring jobs to our community.
March 24th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I have been a resident of South Berwick since l979. This 5 acre limit is ridiculous. Leave our land alone.
March 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I agree with ladyjane. People need to start attending the school board meetings and start asking questions about the money being spent on these postions that have been established in the last few years. Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians seems to be the
line that comes to mind. We need to question the money being proposed by the school board and say NO. Only then will we have town taxes that are a bit more tolerable.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Citizen Mike Gallo and Councilman Burke made an interesting point tonight (March 24) at the Town Council meeting: That the Town Council can at any time change the zoning….There is still time to sign that petition to allow recall of Town Councilors!!
March 25th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Yes, since our current town government was first instituted, the town council has always had the power to change zoning (so long as it is done with due process, planning board review, public hearings, etc.). But this town council has NOT changed the zoning. So if you are against zoning changes there is no problem. Further, this town council has reached out to citizens to incorporate their ideas and wishes, as we saw at Monday night’s meeting. Citizen input is also the POINT of a comprehensive plan, which South Berwick has had since 1991. A comp plan is an advisory document written by ordinary citizens on subcommittees that all were free to join. Let’s not get scared by imaginary ghosts here.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:27 am
The problem with the current issue is not that the council has always had the power to change the zoning.
The problem is, that to change the zoning right now would require public hearings, planning board meetings, etc…, but if it is put in to the Comprehensive plan, it only take 3 council member to say Aye, with no further input from the public.
That is the main reason I would like to see that section removed.
It doesn’t affect me as far as property goes, but if we currently have a way to do the rezoning, with due public hearings, we don’t need to add a way to do such a thing without the hearings.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Hi, Dave, no that isn’t true. The Comprehensive Plan doesn’t change anything about the way ordinances pass. We have an old Comp Plan in place now, and it’s still true. Comp Plans don’t make anything slip through. The entire purpose of Comp Plans is to do precisely what you and I want, SUGGEST citizen based ideas for future councils to consider. The entire purpose of a Comp Plan is to bring CITIZEN ideas forward, which is what has happened. (All the subcommittees were made up with citizens– anybody could take part.) That’s all it is. And they are just suggestions. The actual decision-making process is exactly the same– planning board, public hearings, etc. Read it and see.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:58 am
I beg to differ.
Contract Zoning was in the last Comp plan, and was adopted by the council with no additional public input.
The only reason it was recalled was because people went through the petition process to put it on the ballot.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Yes, the council passed Contract Zoning, but not before there had been planning board action, economic development committee recommendations, and public hearings over weeks and months. THEN the petition process happened and it was recalled. So, the fact that CZ had been in the Comp Plan didn’t affect the procedure the town followed. Comp Plans don’t affect procedure– it’s all a bunch of recommendations, and the whole purpose is to give citizens like us a voice. Comp Plans are not a hairy scary thing at all.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I think the attorney general should be looking at the whole element of private “non-profit” land trusts in YORK COUNTY and their influence on private property
rights in the planning of our comprehensive plans . It is my opinion that these
elite groups have become too powerful, and are taking from our tax base, as well as peddling “fear” about the present state of our ordinances ALREADY controlling any growth in our community.