Here’s the skinny on last night’s meeting.
Town Council/Board Of Assessors Meetings – August 11, 2008
All Councilors were present
Board of Assessors:
1. Set tax rate and sign commitment for 2008/2009.
The Council voted unanimously to accept the 2008/2009 tax rate of $14.90 per thousand. This includes $4.87 for the town, $9.48 for the schools, and .55 for the county portions. Last year’s rate was $13.35. (They also voted on the commitment for 2008/2009 but I missed the numbers.)
Town Council Meeting:
Approval Of The Following Minutes
Town Council 7-28-08-Approved unanimously with no changes.
Signing Of Treasurer’s Warrant – August 11, 2008-Approved unanimously.
New Business
1. Discuss/take action on fee schedule for massage establishments/massage therapists.-Discussion and questions from the public clarified that this was on the agenda because of a housekeeping issue. Sometime in the 1980′s a previous council had voted that a fee schedule for massage practitioners be instituted but it was never done. The town is required to issue a permit for massage practitioners. The original vote of the council to institute the fee arose from a desire that there be some kind of background check to assure that massage practitioners are above board and not using massage as a cover for other activities. Information was presented that other towns have a fee schedule for issuing the permit. The Council voted unanimously to direct the Town Manager to gather more information about the issue.
2. Accept Strawberry Festival Grant for Senior Center Activities. The Council voted unanimously to accept $1500 for Senior Center Activities.
3. Accept Strawberry Festival Grant for Shoetown playground. The Council voted unanimously to accept $330 for a port-a-potty for the playground.
4. Accept Strawberry Festival Grant for Recreation. The Council voted unanimously to accept $3220 for Wildlife Encounters programs to be offered at after school programs.
5. Take action on Transfer of Forfeiture Assets. The Council voted unanimously that the Police Department could take possession of a handgun valued at approximately $300 seized during a drug seizure.
6. Take action on ATV Enforcement Grant. The Council voted unanimously to accept approximately $3500 that will provide approximately 80 hours of police ATV enforcement activities.
7. Discuss workshop with Planning Board. The Planning Board has requested a workshop with the Council after the September 16 public hearing on rezoning Main St. Councilors Roberge and Gagne expressed dismay that the hearing is so far in the future. Councilor Kareckas expressed the hope that design review would be discussed at the same time. The Council voted unanimously to schedule a workshop with the planning board.
