Posts Tagged ‘town council’
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
Here’s the skinny from last night’s Town Council Meeting:
All Councilors were present.
Unfinished Business
1. Discuss/take action on Back Acres Lane.There was back and forth discussion on the merits of accepting the road at this time since only two houses are built and the road has seven lots. There was a motion to postpone acceptance until 100% of the lots are built out. There was discussion with Councilor Demetracopoulos questioning whether (more…)
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 83 Comments »
Monday, July 28th, 2008
Monday, July 28
Town Council Workshop re: 2009 Commitment
6:00 PM - Town Manager’s Office
Town Council Meeting
6:30 PM - Council Chambers
On the agenda:
Reports & Correspondence
1. Letter from Planning Board Chair – July 21, 2008
2. Letter from Planning Board Chair – July 23, 2008
Town Manager’s Report
Unfinished Business
1. Discuss/take action on Back Acres Lane.
2. Discuss/take action on rezoning request.
3. Discuss/take action on public hearing for ordinance updates.
New Business
1. Discuss Vine Street parking.
2. Take action on election of MMA officers & executive committee.
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
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. (more…)
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Monday, July 14th, 2008
Monday, July 14
Town Council Meeting-Executive Session
6:00 PM - Town Manager’s Office
Executive Session to review the Police Union Contract.
Executive Session Discuss Planning Board Applicants.
Town Council Meeting
6:30 PM - Council Chambers
Agenda:
Board of Assessors
Town Council to reconvene following Assessors
Reports & Correspondence
1. Heating Concerns – Vicki Desilets
2. CMP letter – transmission line.
Unfinished Business
1. Take action on Planning Board appointment.
2. Discuss Back Acres Lane Road Acceptance.
New Business
1. Take action on MMA Legislative Policy Committee ballot.
2. Take action on CDBG application for regional planning.
3. Sign Police Union Contract
4. Sign addendum to Personnel Policy suspending longevity pay.
5. Take action on uncollectible taxes.
6. Discuss Council participation in scoring RFQ for library.
7. Discuss/take action on Executive Search.
Tuesday, July 15
Planning Board Meeting
7:00 PM - Council Chambers
Public Hearing - 7:00 PM
Ordinance Updates:
Land Use Table A - Accessory Apartments and Major Home Occupations;
Business Directional Signs and Peer Review.
Regular Meeting to follow Public Hearing
Correspondence
1. Memo: Dated June 25, 2008 from Roberta Orsini re: B1 Zone.
2. Letter: Dated June 23, 2008 from Stephen and Jean Harrington re: Expansion of B1 Zone.
Old Business
1. Public Hearing - Ordinance Updates: Discuss.
“ Memo: Dated July 7, 2008 from Jim Fisk re: Official Business Directional Signs revisions.
2. Rules of Procedure and Code of Ethics: Planning Board Bylaws - Revised.
New Business
1. MSP #08-01; Dennis Robillard, Map 7 Lot 4C-1 - Single Family Residence in I2 Zone.
Ordinance Updates
Wednesday, July 16
Economic Development Committee Meeting
1:00 PM - Council Chambers
Old Business
1) Ribbon Cuttings:
Report on SoBo Book and Bean Cafe ribbon cutting from June 19th
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings – New businesses to be contacted.
2) Subcommittee Update:
Board of Trade: Status Update - Kathy Wolfe.
South Berwick Business Directory: Status Update - Jim Fisk.
3) Economic Development Facilitator: Start-up workshop – Karyn Scharf Morin.
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Monday, June 23rd, 2008
Special Town Meeting
Special town meeting was held to vote on the following three warrant articles that were voted down at a May 12 special meeting.
Citizen Audrey Fortier made a motion to vote on the articles by secret ballot. The motion for a secret ballot failed on a hand vote.
The Articles:
–To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate and expend from the Undesignated General Fund Balance to cover the unexpected orverdraft in the Highway budget for 2007/08 Winter Maintenance.–Town Council Recommends: $150,000 from Undesignated General Fund-Passed on a hand vote.
(more…)
Tags: budget, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Friday, June 20th, 2008
Monday, June 23
Special Town Meeting, Town Council to follow - 6:30 PM - Council Chambers
Special town meeting will be held to vote on the following three issues that were voted down at a May 12 special meeting.
–To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate and expend from the Undesignated General Fund Balance to cover the unexpected orverdraft in the Highway budget for 2007/08 Winter Maintenance.–Town Council Recommends: $150,000 from Undesignated General Fund
–To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate and expend from the Undesignated General Fund Balance to cover the unexpected orverdraft in the 2007/08 Town Manager budget.–Town Council Recommends: $100,000 from Undesignated General Fund
–To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate and expend from the Undesignated General Fund Balance to cover the unexpected orverdraft in the 2007/08 Administration budget.–Town Council Recommends: $15,000 from Undesignated General Fund
Town Council meeting agenda:
Unfinished Business
1. Discuss/take action on ordinance establishing position of Assistant Town Manager.
New Business
1. Review PSAP bill.
2. Discuss/take action on 20 Knight’s Pond Rd.
3. Take action on renewal of liquor license & special amusement permit for Links @ Outlook.
4. Take action on renewal of liquor license & special amusement permit for Pepperland Café.
5. Discuss/take action on appointment to Conservation Commission.
6. Discuss/take action on appointment to Planning Board
7. Take action on CMP pole permit application for Thurrell Rd.
8. Discuss/take action on acceptance of monetary gifts to SB Recreation for summer 2008.
9. Take action on board & committee reappointments.
10. Take action on Town Council Transfers
11. Confirm current list of municipal officials.
12. Take action on uncollectible taxes.
Wednesday, June 25
Town Council Workshop with Solid Waste
11:00 AM - ecomaine facility Portland, ME
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Monday, June 9th, 2008
Editorial: Molly Colman
I will be voting against the Charter Amendment to allow for the recall of elected municipal officials that will be on the ballot at South Berwick’s polls on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. Here are the reasons I think it is a bad idea and will hurt the town.
1. We already have a way to remove Town Councilors if a majority of the voters think they are not doing the job. It is called an election. Three year terms are long enough for Councilors to learn the ropes but short enough to correct if someone is completely out of tune with any of the town’s constituencies. But talk to me some time about term limits…..
2. However, I do understand that many would like the safety valve of a recall. What is being proposed is not a safety valve but a loaded gun with the safety off. The threshold for the number of petitioners who need to sign a petition to instigate a recall election is only 282 votes, a number that allows a small group of irate voters to go after a Councilor. You can probably find 282 voters who are hopping mad over any vote that occurs. A recall provision with such a low threshold could mean that we end up with constant contentious recall elections or with Councilors who are always in campaign mode, tiptoeing around issues so as never to make anyone mad and never making any courageous or unpopular decisions. If we have a recall provision, let’s do one that has a higher threshold so that it cannot be used frivolously. (more…)
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 10 Comments »
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Monday, June 2
Solid Waste Committee Mtg.
6:00 PM - Meeting Room 1
Town Meeting
6:30 PM - Auditorium Hall: Town Hall
To vote on town budget
Find out more about the town budget….
Tuesday, June 3
Budget Workshop
6:00 PM - Town Manager’s office
Planning Board
7:00 PM - Council Chambers
Wednesday, June 4
EDC Meeting
1:00 PM - Council Chambers
Thursday, June 5
Historic District Committee Meeting
7:00 PM - Meeting Room 2
At SAD 35 this Week:
Wednesday, June 4 - 7:00 p.m.
SAD 35 Regular School Board Meeting
Marshwood High School
New Business:
1. Consideration/action to approve the request for use of busses by the South Berwick Recreation Department.
2. Consideration/action to approve the MMS contract with the Coca Cola Bottling Company.
3. Consideration/action to approve the construction of softball dugouts to be paid for out of the Enterprise Funds.
See the full agenda…
Thursday, June 5
SAD 35 District Budget Meeting
7pm Marshwood High School
Citizens will have the opportunity to vote on each proposed article in the school budget. At the conculsion of the meetinf a final dollar amount will be extablished for voter validation on June 10.
Find out more about the SAD 35 budget... (links to budget info at the top of the page)
Tags: budget, SAD 35, school, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in SAD 35, Schools, So. Berwick Government | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
Here’s a really quick rundown on the May 27 Town Council meeting:
Tuesday, May 27 -Town Council Meeting
Councilor Gagne was not present
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Take action on Tobacco Free Community Recreation Resolution.
A nonenforceable resolution that will allow “tobacco-free zone” signs to be posted at Town parks “where children congregate” passed on a three to one vote with Councilors Kareckas, Burke, Demetracopoulos voting for and Councilor Roberge dissenting. The resolution includes Agamenticus ball fields, the Teen Center, Powderhouse Hill and the Shoe Town Playground. The Counting House Park and Bray Park are not included.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Take action on 2008 Speed Enforcement Grant. Passed unanimously
2. Take action on CMP pole permit applications for Oldfields Rd & Willow Drive. Passed unanimously
3. Recommitment of taxes to Roberta Orsini. A procedural vote to remove responsibility for collecting taxes from former Manager Grossman to Interim Manager Orsini. Passed unanimously 4. Sign warrant calling for special town meeting on June 23rd. Passed unanimously
5. Discuss/take action on HDC by-law amendments. Discussion took place but because there were problems and some conflicts between the by-laws and ordinances a motion to adopt the by-laws was voted down unanimously and a motion to send them back to HDC and reconsider in the future passed unanimously.
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008
Tuesday, May 27
Budget Review Workshop
5:00 PM - Council Chambers
Workshop Agenda
1. Discuss F/Y 08 Departmental Budgets
2. Review Council Transfers Vs. Special Town Meeting
3. Review F/Y 09 Budget
4. Discuss Assignment Of Warrant Articles For Town Meeting
5. Adjourn
Tuesday, May 27
Vaughan Fund Trustees
6:00 PM - Council Chambers
Tuesday, May 27
Town Council Meeting
6:30 PM - Council Chambers
6:30pm Public Hearing – establish Assistant Manager Position
TOWN COUNCIL to follow hearing
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Take action on Tobacco Free Community Recreation Resolution.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Take action on 2008 Speed Enforcement Grant.
2. Take action on CMP pole permit applications for Oldfields Rd & Willow Drive.
3. Recommitment of taxes to Roberta Orsini.
4. Sign warrant calling for special town meeting on June 23rd.
5. Discuss/take action on HDC by-law amendments.
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008
The following is a statement that South Berwick citizen Scott Landis recently made at an information meeting concerning the proposed recall amendment coming before voters on June 10.
I have stood up on various occasions in this room to express my misgivings about the political process here in town. In the past, I voiced my concern that our town council or the administration had failed to adequately invite or consider public opinion.
Tonight I’m raising my voice again about process, but my concern is not about the undemocratic tendencies of our government. It’s about the attempt by fellow citizens to undermine the most fundamental democratic process of that government: the right to vote. Here in South Berwick, we operate under a blended “Council—Town Meeting—Manager” form of government, in which “the town meeting [or citizens] vote on the budget and our [elected] council tends to all other legislative functions.” This is a close approximation of the republican form of government that applies at the national level, as well. (more…)
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in Guest Editorial | 6 Comments »
Monday, May 12th, 2008
Here are the highlights (or lowlights, depending on where you stand) of tonight’s Council Meeting
Special Town Meeting
Paper ballot votes were held on three warrant articles:
Article 2. To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate and expend from the Undesignated General Fund Balance to cover the unexpected orverdraft in the Highway budget for 2007/08 Winter Maintenance.–Town Council Recommends: $150,000 from Undesignated General Fund-article failed 32 yes to 38 no
Article 3. To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate and expend from the Undesignated General Fund Balance to cover the unexpected orverdraft in the 2007/08 Town Manager budget.–Town Council Recommends: $100,000 from Undesignated General Fund-article failed 21 yes to 50 no (more…)
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 8 Comments »
Monday, April 28th, 2008
Here’s the skinny on tonight’s town council meeting:
Town Council Meeting - April 28, 2008
Councilor Gagne was not present.
Organizational – Elect Council Chair
-Councilor Jean Demetracopoulos was elected as Council Chair
Reports
Bruce Whitney reported on the status of two vacant lots the town wishes to sell. The lots were acquired through a tax seizure. He explained that in order to sell the properties would need clear title. He explained work that has been done on behalf of the town to get the clear title. The town’s choices are to sue the directors of the now defunct company that formerly owned the property or wait until 2009 when a 15 year waiting period will expire. The council agreed to wait until 2009 rather than incur any legal expenses that would arise from a lawsuit.
(more…)
Tags: budget, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 4 Comments »
Sunday, April 27th, 2008
Only one meeting on the schedule:
Town Council
April 28, 2008 – Council Chambers - 6:00pm
Organizational – Elect Council Chair
Executive Session – 1 MRSA 405-6E Discuss Pending Litigation between Joseph Rousselle and the Town of South Berwick v. Janis Dickson and Ernest Dickson
Unfinished Business
1. Discuss Comprehensive Plan.
New Business
1. Discuss/take action on Solid Waste Committee charge.
2. Discuss/take action on Safety Enhancement Grant.
3. Take action on Strategic Underage Drinking Enforcement Grant.
4. Approve consent order between Joseph Rousselle and the Town of South Berwick v. Janis Dickson and Ernest Dickson.
5. Take action on SMRPC General Assembly membership.
6. Adopt budget for fiscal year 2009 and sign warrant for town meeting.
7. Accept resignation from Library Advisory Board.
8. Sign warrant calling for special town meeting on May 12th.
Executive Session – 1 MRSA 405-6D Discuss Police Union Contract.
Read the full agenda…
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
The Town Council has made some headway on getting the budget down. They’ve got spending down below 2008 levels but revenues from excise taxes, car registrations, and building permits continue to be way below expectations so it still means a tax increase. Read more in this Foster’s Daily Democrat article:
South Berwick looking at tax rate increase due to revenue shortfall
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Though the Town Council has slashed nearly $1 million from the first draft of its 2009 municipal budget — in the process actually bringing expenditures below 2008 levels — taxpayers are still looking at a tax rate increase due to a factor largely out of town’s control: revenue.
Tags: budget, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in In the News, So. Berwick Government | 16 Comments »
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
It looks like the Town Council cut another $500,000 from the budget at a workshop on April 15. Here’s the article from Portsmouth Herald:
South Berwick trims budget
Portsmouth Herald
The Town Council worked with department heads Tuesday night to find an additional $500,000 in budget cuts, bringing the fiscal 2009 year budget request down to a level they hope residents can live with …
Tags: budget, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 85 Comments »
Monday, April 14th, 2008
Here’s the skinny on the 4/14/2008 Town Council meeting:
Councilor Comments:
All of the council members spoke of their sadness at the loss of Dennis Smith, who passed away on April 10. They spoke of his selfless dedication to his family and to the town. They described him as a friend, a mentor, a source of inspiration, and an example of how to work with others.
Council Chair Suzanne Roberge made two announcements:
1. She met with Public Works Director Terry Oliver and asked him to reconsider his resignation, which he did so he will continue to be Public Work Director.
1. She resigned from her position as Chair of the Council effective at the end of the meeting. She will continue to serve as a Council Member.
The following actions were taken on the agenda items: (more…)
Tags: Library, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in Library, So. Berwick Government | 29 Comments »
Monday, April 14th, 2008
Monday, April 14
Public Hearing: Fiscal Year 2009 Budget
6:30 PM - Auditorium
Town Budget page with links to proposed budget
Town Council to follow hearing
6:30 PM - Auditorium
On the Agenda:
Old Business
1. Discuss/take action on VFW request for funds.
2. Discuss Comprehensive Plan update.
New Business
1. Discuss/take action on donation to Lion’s Club.
2. Discuss/take action on EMA Director and Deputies.
3. Discuss/take action on acceptance of ATV Enforcement Grant.
4. Discuss/take action on request to apply for Speed Enforcement Grant & Seatbelt Grant.
5. Discuss/take action on disposal fees at transfer station.
6. Discuss/take action regarding petition for Charter recall provision.
7. Take action on St. Michael’s purchase option.
Full Agenda
Tuesday, April 15
Budget Workshop/Tentative
5:00 PM - Town Manager’s Office
Planning Board Meeting CANCELLED
7:00 PM - Council Chambers
Tags: budget, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Monday, April 7th, 2008
Town Council Workshop
Monday, April 7, 2008 at 5:00 PM, Town Manager’s Office
The Town Council will meet in a workshop this evening to discuss direction with regard to the Interim Manager Search and possibly the Public Works Director opening.
Solid Waste Committee Mtg.
Monday, April 7, 2008 at 6:00 PM, Meeting room 1
Budget Update
An overview of the proposed 2009 budget is posted on the town web site.
The Public Hearing on the Budget is scheduled for April 14, 2008 at 6:30 pm.
It’s always a good idea to check the Town web site to verify meetings before attending.
Tags: budget, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 3 Comments »
Friday, March 21st, 2008
I was away all day in Portland and just learned that there was a special town council meeting today at 5 PM with the following agenda:
NEW BUSINESS
1. Executive Session – 1MRSA 405.6E – consultation between the Council and the Council’s attorney regarding settlement discussions.
2. Discuss/take action on acceptance of resignation of Town Manager by mutual agreement between the Manager and the Town Council.
Update: Portland Press Herald is reporting that Town Manager Jeff Grossman has resigned:
South Berwick town manager resigns
Portland Press Herald March 21, 2008 08:48 PM
The Town Council accepted Town Manager Jeff Grossman’s resignation Friday evening, nearly three years before his contract would have expired…
Update March 22, 2008: Here’s a story from Foster’s Daily Democrat:
South Berwick town manager takes his leave
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Town Manager Jeff Grossman agreed to resign from office Friday night, one week after three town councilors asked him to quit.
In an emotional special town meeting held at 5 p.m. — just three hours after public notice was given — the council voted 4-1 to accept Grossman’s resignation, which he handed in by “mutual agreement” between himself and the council. . .
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 88 Comments »
Friday, March 21st, 2008
There’s a new story in today’s Foster’s Daily Democrat about the ongoing issues between the South Berwick council and town manager.
Beleaguered South Berwick Town Manager alleges ‘Right-to-Know …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Embattled Town Manager Jeff Grossman believes Town Council members violated the state’s Right-to-Know law Monday during a closed-door executive session…
Tags: news, south berwick, town council, town manager
Posted in In the News | 2 Comments »
Thursday, March 20th, 2008
Foster’s Daily Democrat is reporting more information about the ongoing issues between the South Berwick town council and manager:
Letter outlines cause for South Berwick Town Manager dismissal
Foster’s Daily Democrat
There is sufficient cause to remove Town Manager Jeff Grossman from office, and he has been offered a buyout package in exchange for his resignation, according to a private letter written by the town’s attorney….
Economic panel chair will stay in South Berwick
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Dennis Fontaine, the chair of the Economic Development Committee, won’t be resigning after all….
Tags: news, south berwick, town council, town manager
Posted in In the News, So. Berwick Government | 8 Comments »
Sunday, March 16th, 2008
Over the last few years in South Berwick there has been a tug of war being played out in Council Chambers that has been characterized as a struggle between those who want economic development and those who want to preserve the village and the land. Now this struggle has erupted into calls for resignations and name calling in council chambers, on the streets, and in the comments of this blog. The town manager, all of the town council members, and many residents have all been conveniently slotted into one side or the other so we can all take sides and continue the drama and fireworks that some seem to enjoy so much.
In the last month the rhetoric has risen to inflammatory levels with accusations that those who are in favor of the comprehensive plan are trying to take away property rights and that the effort to get a regional development authority is a scheme that will result in taxation without representation. There have been rumors, insinuations, and allegations of wrongdoing by town councilors and the town manager. Those who speak out at town meetings and other public forums, including this blog, seem to represent the most extreme views. In private, I’ve heard from people with more measured and complex thoughts about the issues that they are reluctant to speak out publicly in the current climate. (more…)
Tags: Economic Development, opinion, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 46 Comments »
Saturday, March 15th, 2008
Foster’s Daily Democrat has followed up on the request for Town Manager’s Jeff Grossman’s resignation:
South Berwick town councilors, manager demand each other’s resignation
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Three town councilors want the town manager to resign; the manager, in turn, wants those councilors to resign; and residents are circulating petitions to amend the town charter so councilors can be recalled from office….
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Thursday, March 13th, 2008
The Town Council had a budget workshop on March 11, 2008. There is a recap of the budget workshop on the town’s budget website page. The Town Manager’s proposed revenue, expense, and capital budget can also be found there.
The upcoming schedule for budget workshops is as follows
Monday March 17th at 5 pm
Police, Dispatch, ACO and Public Safety CIP
Fire and Fire Department CIP
Tuesday March 18th at 5 pm
Workshop w/Solid Waste Committee for no longer than 1 hour
Highway, Town Hall, Community Center
Town Garage, Public Facilities, Transfer Station,
Solid Waste, Roads, Sidewalks & Highway Equipment CIP
Tuesday March 25th at 5 pm
EMA, Rescue, Clerk, Control Collection, Code Enforcement,
Conservation, Library, Library CIP, Assessing, Computer,
Planning, EDC, Recreation, Manager, Administration,
Employee Benefits, Debt, remaining CIP, Revenues.
There is a story on the budget in today’s Portsmouth Herald:
Budget fight: Manager’s job at stake in South Berwick
Portsmouth Herald
At the heart of the controversy surrounding the potential resignation of Town Manager Jeffrey Grossman is the proposed fiscal year 2009 operating budget…
3/13/08 Update: In the Portsmouth Herald story it says that next Tuesday’s budget workshop is canceled. Roberta Orsini, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager, confirms that the Tuesday March 18th meeting is still scheduled.
Tags: budget, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 11th, 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
Posted in In the News, So. Berwick Government | 36 Comments »
Tuesday, March 11th, 2008
The town council meeting followed a work session with the Maine Department of Transportation regarding a potential bypass and a special town meeting to vote on a warrant to transfer $100,000 from the undesignated fund to cover winter maintenance. The warrant passed on a voice vote. A recap of the Department of Transportation workshop will be posted here in a day or so.
Approximately 100 people attended tonight’s meetings. Reporters from Foster’s Daily Democrat, Portsmouth Herald, and radio station WTSN (1270 AM) attending the meeting so there should be coverage tomorrow.
The meeting was an emotional one with candid discussion about the ongoing tension between the Council and the Manager and the revelation that the Town Manager has been asked by the Town Council to resign or face proceedings to remove him from the position. There was also much public comment on the comprehensive plan, the town budget, and potential tax increases.
(more…)
Tags: budget, comprehensive plan, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 6 Comments »
Monday, March 10th, 2008
There is a special town meeting tonight, Monday, March 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM in Auditorium Hall. The warrant does not seem to be published on the town web site. Howeve, an article in Foster’s Daily Democrat indicates that it is for the transfer of $100, 000 from the undesignated fund account for winter snow removal. Here’s the article:
South Berwick snow removal budget $190g in the red
Foster’s Daily Democrat
A special town meeting will be held Monday, March 10 at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall regarding the transfer of $100000 …
Tags: budget, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | No Comments »
Thursday, February 28th, 2008
This year’s budget process promises to be difficult. Today’s Foster’s Daily Democrat is reporting that Town Manager Jeff Grossman says the town is in a budget crisis and is projecting an increase in taxes.
Read the article:
‘Budget crisis’ could mean a 26 percent tax rate increase in South …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Town Manager Jeff Grossman says the town is in a “budget crisis” and points to a projected 26-percent increase in the town’s 2009 tax rate as the result…
Budget Workshops Schedule
Monday 3/3 at 5 pm
Tuesday 3/4 at 5 pm (Update 3/3/08: These workshops have been canceled)
Tuesday 3/11 at 5 pm
Monday 3/17 at 5 pm
Tuesday 3/18 at 5 pm
Tuesday 3/25 at 5 pm
The public is welcome at budget workshops. A variety of departmental budgets are reviewed during each meeting.
Workshops are held in Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Town Hall. If the location changes, it will be posted on the bulletin board outside the Town Clerk’s office.
Public Hearing on the Budget: April 14, 2008 at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers.
Town Budget Meeting: June 2, 2008 at 6:30 pm, Auditorium Hall, Town Hall, 180 Main Street
Town Manager Jeff Grossman indicates the proposed budget will be posted on the Town web site in the next day or so.
Tags: budget, so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 7 Comments »
Saturday, February 23rd, 2008
South Berwick Town Council meets Monday, February 25 in Town Council Chambers. The meeting will be preceded by a public hearing at 6:30pm to receive public comment on the update to the comprehensive plan. Both meetings will be preceded by an executive session.
Here is the Agenda as posted on the Town web site as of 1 PM, 2/23/08:
5:00Executive Session - 1MRSA §405.6E consultation with Attorney
6:00pm Board of Assessors
6:30pm PUBLIC HEARING - Comprehensive Plan
TOWN COUNCIL to reconvene following hearing
Council Member Comments
Public Comment
Reports & Correspondence
Town Manager’s Report
Unfinished Business
New Business
1. Sign warrant calling for special town meeting on March 10th.
2. Accept donation from First Parish Federated Church for recreation.
(more…)
Tags: so. berwick government, town council
Posted in So. Berwick Government | 1 Comment »