Here’s the skinny on tonight’s Town Council meeting.
Monday, March 23
Town Council Meeting
Unfinished Business
1. Fire
A. Reconfirm Fire Truck Purchase-The Council approved the purchase of a Fire Truck for $145,000 from another Fire Department at a previous meeting. This item was to reconfirm the purchase and to have the Council vote to waive the requirement for a competitive bid. The Council may waive the competitive process when there are special circumstances, as in this case of purchasing a used truck from another Fire Department. The Council voted unanimously to waive the competitive bid process and to reconfirm the purchase.
New Business
1. Administrative
A. Discuss/Take action on proposal for Energy Inventory-Town Manager Schempf explained this item as a starting point for the town to address energy usage. An inventory will provide a full accounting of the town’s energy use for all of its functions. Mr. Schempf explained that this would be a baseline that would help make decisions about what next steps would be to reduce energy usage and would also help position the town for federal energy and conservation funds. The public comments were all in favor of the measure. The Council voted unanimously to enter into a contract not to exceed $2500 for an energy inventory. Mr. Schempf clarified that this money will come out of this year’s budget.
B. Discuss/Take action on creating a Town Energy Committee-Town Manager Shcempf explained that a Town Energy Committee could potentially undertake long term energy planning, help look for funding, and do community outreach about energy issues. The Council was generally supportive of the idea but had questions about the specifics of such a committee, including how many people would be on it, what the goals and specific charge would be, and what the terms would be. Mr. Schempf said he wanted to know if the Council was supportive of the idea before spending staff time on working out the details, and indicated that staff would work on the details and bring it back for further consideration. The Council agreed to table the issue.
C. Set date for public hearing on 2009/2010 budget. (April 13th)-The Council unanimously voted to set the public hearing on the 2009/2010 budget for April 13.
2. Social Services
A. Take action on General Assistance Appendix B.-Social Service Director Vicki Desilets explained that this is a bookkeeping issue that would allow the limit General Assistance for food assistance to be raised. Ms. Desilets explained that she has not provided food assistance through General Assistance for years, since the Food Pantry is available and those eligible for General Assistance are more likely to get assistance with rent or fuel. The Council voted unanimously to sign and return the necessary form.
3. Assessor’s Agent
A. Sign Ratio Declaration for State of Maine.-Mr. Schempf explained that this is a town bookkeeping item affirming the Town’s tax ratio with Maine Revenue Services. In the past this has not been brought for Council action but Mr. Schempf explained that it is appropriate that the Council vote to sign it. The Council did so, unanimously.
B. Sign Assessor’s return for York County.-This is similar to the previous item indicating the Town’s intent to pay the tax assessed by the County. The Council voted unanimously to sign.
4. Clerk
A. Take action on alewife fishing rights for 2009 season. The Council voted unanimously to close alewife fishing rights for the 2009 season for conservation.
B. Take action on Warrant for unlicensed dogs.-The Council voted unanimously to take action on the Warrant for unlicensed dogs. Once the action is taken a letter will be sent to owners who have previously licensed dogs but have not done so this year. There is an additional late fee for licensing assessed, and potentially a $50 fine if they do not license dogs.
5. Planning
A. Set date for public hearing on BR Zoning Amendment and Zoning Map. (April 27th)-The Planning Board has held a public hearing on the proposed zoning amendment and map and recommended the changes to the Town Council. The Town Council will now hold a public hearing. The Council voted unanimously to hold a hearing on April 27.
