Minutes of NVC Meeting of October 27, 2002

President Ken Vlodek convened the meeting of the Northport Village Corporation Board of overseers at 10:15 AM on October 27, 2002 , in the Drinkwater School with Overseers Doug Mayer, David Crofoot, Greg Closter , Dan Doucette, Elaine Smith, Joe Krulis, Treasurer Handler, and Clerk Lagner present. Others attending the meeting included John Fancy, Beverly Crofoot, Jane Phillips, Bill Paige, Todd Merolla, and Bob Stein.

The minutes of the September 22, 2002 , meeting were approved.

The treasurer's report was approved as follows:

                General Government

                     Checking                      $19,865.69

                     Community Hall                    461.71

                     Money Market                 42,763.84

                       Total                             $63,091.24

                Water Department

                     Checking                       $45,365.96

                     Checking                                 10.00

                       Total                             $45,375.96

                Sewer Department

                     Checking                        $     279.86

                     Checking                                  10.00

                     CD721053                       19,650.15

                     Money Market                  21,867.29           

                       Total                              $41,807.30

Village Properties

Nitzburg: Received from Stan Nitzburg: Indemnification Agreement and Easement Deed. Dave Crofoot moved, and it was seconded by Dan, that we approve an easement and the signing of a "hold-harmless" indemnity clause to Mr. Nitzburg pending receipt of all appropriate materials. Voted.

Cradle Park : Dave presented a letter from Gordon Fuller concerning the current use of Cradle Park . Several problems exist: three boats have been left in Cradle Row for several years without being launched, and leaves and brush have been dumped.  Summary of suggestions: (1) Cradle Row should be kept available for short-term storage of cradles, trailers, boats, and overflow parking, particularly for cars belonging to people off cruising. Any other use should require permission from Overseers. (2) Expand area. (3) If Overseers approve long-term storage, a storage fee should be charged. (4) Post signs prohibiting dumping and outlining appropriate use of area. During discussion it was recommended that Cradle Row/Park be included in a future Parking Ordinance.

Dan moved, seconded by Doug, to have the Properties Committee send a friendly letter to the three boat owners requesting that those boats be removed from Cradle Row by November 30, 2002 . Voted. Bill Paige was also asked to remove the axle and derelict trailer.

BHPS Cottage: After a meeting and site visit with representatives of the library and abutters, and due to their strong resistance, representatives from the Historical Society have asked to re-locate the cottage from the Wharf street location to a site in Cradle Park , facing Pleasant Street . Doug moved, and Dave seconded that the cottage be moved to a location across the street from Dan Doucette's garage on Pleasant Street . (A visitation to exactly locate the area to be leased was scheduled immediately following this meeting.) Voted. Final lease arrangements are pending. A building permit will be needed.

Boat Storage Billing: Dave requested that the Board direct the treasurer to bill the owners of boats being stored for the winter in Ruggles Park the customary fee of $25.00.

Village Agent

Bill reported that he has received no queries about the 10,000 gal. water tanks or 33-34' ramps. Ken will publish them in Uncle Henry's.

Scott Monroe will price materials for the Bluff Road office construction, and building should begin soon. He was requested to also price a heating system, and method for drying the crawl space.

Last year's snow removal plower is interested in returning, and quoted a price of $4,000. Dan moved, seconded by Doug, that we retain last year's plower on an hourly basis as per last year. Voted.

Water/Wastewater

Ken reported that a portion of the Eaton/Peabody legal fees paid in September should have been taken from the Water/Wastewater accounts. This will be transferred.

Doug presented the minutes of the October 14 Utility Committee meeting.

Phase I construction is moving along well.

Three bids for the Phase III (sewer) studies have been received. Doug moved, and Dan seconded, that the Board approve the Woodard & Curran bid in the amount of up to $4500 for Study 1 (BOD study), and up to $12,000 for Study 2 (new wastewater treatment plant study). Voted.

Doug requested that the Village hire a part-time secretary to deal with the Utility Department's paper work and other Village secretarial duties. Doug moved and Joe seconded that the Board be authorized to hire a part-time Executive Secretary, to be paid $3500 from each of the Water and Wastewater accounts, and $1012 from the General Fund. Dan moved, and Doug seconded an amendment to raise the amount from the General Fund to $3500. The amended motion was Voted.

Doug next moved, and Dan seconded a motion to establish a job description for said position, develop an advertisement, and begin the hiring process. Voted.

Working with Eric Delante from Midcoast Planning, the Committee has the CDBG grant proposal almost ready for submission. Doug moved, seconded by Dan, that the Board authorize a public hearing in conjunction with the Town of Northport to present the CDBG grant application. Voted. Doug will work with the Town to set this up.

Finance

Dan reports that the audit should be ready for acceptance at the next meeting. He would like to begin the process of selecting a new auditor, someone who specializes in utilities. John will submit a short list of names for consideration.

Library

Bob Stein announced that the library would be closing October 31.

Zoning

Diane Whitten, chairman of the CEO Search Committee, reported that the Committee has reviewed the credentials of three candidates, and recommends that Ralph Stanley be considered. Dan moved, seconded by Doug, to accept the recommendation of the Committee. Voted. After reviewing his credentials, the Board will invite Ralph Stanley to the November meeting for an interview.

Parking ordinance

After discussion, it was decided to begin action on a Village Parking Ordinance. Dan will contact the MMA for sample ordinances, and prepare a rough draft.

The meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM .

Respectfully submitted,

Eleanor D. Lagner, Clerk

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