Recap of July 14, 2008 Town Council Meeting
Here is a quick summary of the Town Council Meeting:
All five Councilors were present
Board of Assessors Meeting-Town Council accepted the tax assessment from the County for $348,000
Reports & Correspondence
1. Heating Concerns – Vicki Desilets-Vicki Desilets, Social Services Director described her concerns for the coming heating season. Many families have expressed fears about their ability to pay for heating this year. Some ended last season with bills so may not even be able to get their first delivery for this year. With a minimum delivery of 100 gallons at approximately $500 it will be a challenge for families to pay for even a minimum delivery. Some families will be eligible for General Assistance for help but the income guidelines are very low. Fuel assistance (LIHEAP) does not start taking applications until October and can only offer limited help. Budget cuts at the town meeting took $5000 out of the South Berwick social services budget this year so there are fewer resources to help those in need. In past years the Town has had a philosophy that no one should go without heat. Last year the Social Services Department received donations from an anonymous donor, citizens, a church, and P. Gagnon to help with fuel costs. Ms. Desilets is not confident that donations will come through this year because everyone is facing rising costs. She recounted what other towns do. Kittery has raised $25,000 a year and plans to raise $50,000 this year. She said that Kittery has a very organized fundraising effort. Kennebunk has put $10,000 toward helping citizens with fuel costs and plans to raise that to $15,000 this year. North Berwick has a resident trying to raise funds. Ms. Desilets said the state is suggesting that some families may have to homeshare, where one home is closed up so two families can share heat, and has suggested that towns open heating shelters where citizens can go to warm up for part of the day. She does not see those as answers for South Berwick. Ms. Desilet stated she was not asking the Town Council for anything specific, but wanted them to be aware of the issue now since it will be a problem when the heating season starts. She also suggested that there could be an organized fundraising effort to try to raise some funds.
2. CMP letter – transmission line-The Council received a letter from CMP regarding the replacement of the poles and the addition of another line through the CMP power line corridor in South Berwick. Residents of Woodland Hills presented concerns about the lack of information they have received from CMP regarding the project and their concerns about the cutting of the tree buffer between the powerlines and their homes, the proximity of the new poles to wells, and the potential for CMP to take some of the homes. They asked the Council to request South Berwick become an intervenor in the project so that the Town would have access to all of the information available about the project. The Council voted unanimously to file as an intervenor with CMP.
Unfinished Business
1. Take action on Planning Board appointment-The Council voted 4 to 1 to appoint John Sterling to the Planning Board. Councilor Roberge was the dissenting vote.
2. Discuss Back Acres Lane Road Acceptance-The Council discussed the issue regarding the acceptance of Back Acres Lane but did not take any action other than to recommend that this come forward again when more of the road is build out, there are currently two homes of the proposed seven built. There was discussion about making sure that developers and home buyers be made clearly aware that there is no assurance that the Town will accept a new road.
New Business
1. Take action on MMA Legislative Policy Committee ballot-the Council voted unanimously to sign the ballot.
2. Take action on CDBG application for regional planning-The Town of Kittery and the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission are requesting that South Berwick be a part of a group of towns for a Community Development Block Grant to continue discussions about how towns can cooperate to promote community and economic development together. There is no requirement for a cash match from South Berwick. Town Manager Orsini recommended that the town participate. Council Chair Demetracopoulos, stated her support for South Berwick participating in the effort to continue the thinking and work that was started by the Regional Efficiency Workgroup to work together to promote economic development. Councilors Burke and Kareckas both expressed support for the grant. Councilor Roberge said she does not support the grant, saying it was too soon after the failed effort to get the regional development authority especially since the legislators who initially supported that effort withdrew their support. She also questioned the motives of Kittery as the lead town and wondered if they have a project in mind. Councilor Gagne also indicated a lack of support for the grant saying there have been many incidents of turf issues when South Berwick has tried to work with other towns. The Council voted to support the grant application with a three to two vote (Roberge and Gagne dissenting)
3. Sign Police Union Contract-The Town Council voted unanimously to accept a one year police contract. The terms of the agreement will not be made public until the contract is also signed by the Police Union.
4. Sign addendum to Personnel Policy suspending longevity pay-The Town Council has negotiated a one year agreement to suspend longevity pay for town employees (not including those covered by the Police Union contract) in order for a cost saving of $8500. Citizen Richard Clough asked if such a small amount of savings was worth it for the potential drop in employee morale. Town Manager Orsini indicated that the Town had to find money somewhere in order to get the budget to the amount dictated by the town meeting and this was one of the places they had to get it. She also indicated that Town employees had agreed to the measure in order to save the money. The Council voted unanimously to sign the addendum.
5. Take action on uncollectible taxes-The Council voted unanimously to designate several tax accounts as uncollectible.
6. Discuss Council participation in scoring RFQ for library-The Town has issued a Request for Qualifications for architectural services and program analysis associated with the adaptive re-use of the existing Saint Michael’s Church and Rectory on Young Street that was recently purchased by the Town, including its use as Town Library. By consensus the Council agree that Councilor Kareckas (with Councilor Burke as alternate) would participate with the Building Committee and the Library Advisory Board on the assessment of potential vendors.
7. Discuss/take action on Executive Search-Chair Demetracopolous recounted her conversations with clients of two Town Manager search vendors. She spoke with several towns that had used the vendors and received positive references on both and did not come away with strong feelings about one over the other. Councilor Burke indicated that he did not see the need for an outside search firm and thinks the Council could do the search on its own. Councilors Kareckas and Gagne both indicated that they support the option in this case to get an outside opinion, even though they agree with Mr. Burke’s reluctance to pay for outside assistance. Both Demetracopolous and Roberge spoke in favor of hiring an outside firm in order to get an outside opinoin and to make sure the process is unbiased and methodical. Through discussion several Councilors voiced their preference for MMA (Maine Municipal Association) over consultant Michael Wing. MMA’s proposed fee is $4500 while Mr. Wing’s is $5000. The amount will come from the Town Manager’s salary line item. The length of time for the search will depend on the Town’s needs and how quickly the Council can come to a consensus about what exactly the Town is looking for. The Council voted to retain MMA for search services on a four to two vote with Councilor Burke dissenting.