Minutes of NVC Meeting of May 19, 2002

President Ken Vlodek convened the meeting of the Northport Village Corporation Board of Overseers at 10:09 AM in the Drinkwater School with Overseers Lightner, Smith, Doucette, Rohweder, O'Malia, Whitten, Treasurer Handler, and Clerk Lagner present. Also attending were Bill Paige, Tim Samway, Todd Merolla, Joe Krulis, John Fancy, Galen Plummer, and Mike Robbins.

The minutes of the April 21, 2002, meeting were accepted as amended.

Treasurer Russ Handler's report was accepted as follows:

                   General Government

                     Checking                        $35,689.28

                     Community Hall                     290.98

                     Money Market                  42,565.28

                       Total Government        $78,545.54

                   Water Department

                     Checking                            $83,583.97

                     Checking                                      10.00

                       Total Water Department $83,593.97

                   Sewer Department

                     Checking                           $29,085.38

                     Checking                                     10.00

                     CD721053                          19,359.70

                     Money Market                     21,776.28

                       Total Sewer Dep.           $70,231.36

Russ distributed and discussed the copies of the Warrants. He has informally contacted taxpayers whose payments are in arrears, and these personal reminders were well received. There are 43 tax items still uncollected, which total $6,299.84.

Ken reported on the Northport Town Annual Meeting. Highlights include the approval of $20,000 as the NVC portion of the town's taxes (Ken suggests we increase our future request by $2,500 every other year because of inflation), support for a community block grant application, and setting aside $30,000, (half of the cost of a complete re-evaluation in 2004). A new fire station has been primarily funded by an MBNA grant. The Northport Harbor fund (boat excise taxes and mooring fees) will now be handled by the town, so it will be necessary for NVC to apply for the wharfmaster salary, causeway repair, and contributions to the dock replacement fund. It was suggested that we present a budget of $3,000-3,500 per year to cover these costs.

Ken next reported on the Selectpersons' meeting. Bill Paige and the new Road Commissioner Bill Magruder will review the streets to be swept. Brush and leaves are now being accepted at the transfer station. Lien procedures are being addressed. The installation of a fire hydrant at Birch Crest is still under discussion.

At the Planning Board meeting, repair of the causeway was approved, and a Shorelands permit is in process.

Village Agent

A contract for mowing the parks has been drawn up with Lawns Are Us. The cost is estimated at $200 per mowing, and Bill Paige will decide what needs to be mown, preferably when the grass reaches a height of 3-1/2 to 4 inches. It was moved to authorize the president to execute the contract with Lawns Are Us for the mowing pursuant to their bid. Voted.

Matt suggested that the scope of the removal of rocks in Ruggles Park should be defined; complete rock removal would be costly, and aesthetically may not be desirable. It was decided that the sum set aside for the project ($500) would limit the amount of work to be done. The grounds beneath the playground equipment also need work. The Board agreed to replace the child's picnic table, to be paid out of the park account. Also the octagonal seat around the tree should be repaired, and John Lightner, whose family donated the original structure, will look into this. It was requested that no pressure-treated lumber be used for these projects.

The materials list is ready for the Bluff Road office completion project. Ken will hire a contractor from Waterville (local people are not available) to oversee the work, but volunteers are sought for the actual construction.

Brush and leaves are now being accepted at the Northport Transfer Station. It was suggested that NVC schedule a fall and spring special Sunday pick-up.

Water/Wastewater

The public hearing concerning the Phase I project will be held on June 22.

John Fancy presented a "Policy on Booster Station use for Water Service." When a home's water pressure is inadequate, a booster pump may be installed by anyone at present. John feels these booster station additions should be under the control of the Water Company, as private pumps can effect nearby users. The issue was tabled until next month so Overseers could study the proposed policy.

John reported that more grant/loan money will soon be available as the result of the signing of the Rural Development Farm Bill, money meant to help municipalities "catch up" on projects that were underfunded. Based on previous voter approval, it would now be possible to apply for a $318,000 loan and $260,000 grant to expand the Phase I project. As an application does not commit voters to anything, it was moved to authorize Ken to sign the application to Rural Development for this additional funding. Voted. It was pointed out that this action would put us on the list, not ensure that we would receive funds.

John presented a draft of a letter to the D.E.P. concerning the wastewater system condition and repairs. Restoring the treatment facility to its original design may not be advisable. The use of 3 rows of tanks has proven impractical, and the amount of water being processed is much greater than originally planned for. The letter suggests that a representative from Dirigo Engineering, John Fancy, and a DEP engineer review the design and future operation. John then presented a "Policy on Upgrading the Wastewater Collection and Treatment System", as follows: 

That the upgrade of the wastewater collection and treatment system should:    First- Reduce the infiltration (excess clean water) in the collection system by sewer line replacement or improvement. This may involve more than one construction project. Operate the wastewater treatment facility to achieve best performance without major change or major financial investment. 

Second- To consider the long-range options for the treatment facility.

It was moved to accept the policy as presented. Voted.

Utilities Sub-Committee Report:

Michele Gagnon is leaving her position, and our project will be turned over to Isaac Wagner.

The Committee will begin the LMI (Lower Middle Income Study), to be completed before Michele leaves, if possible.

Ad Hoc-Arsenic Contamination Report:

A meeting to provide additional information is being held at the Community Hall on July 21 at 1:00 PM.

Finance

Elaine reported that there are 73 discrepancies in the tax lists. She will work with Jim Cummings to clarify the lists.

Parks

Some work has been done on the Merry-Go-Round in the park. The tree arborist has removed some trees on Griffin Street. An antique dinghy has been made available for planting.

Safety

It was moved to authorize Ken to sign a contract with Mary Malone as the lifeguard for 2002. Voted.

Arrangements for a back-up lifeguard have not been finalized as yet.

Library

Jane reported that a Hydrangea tree will be planted at the Library in the memory of the Ponds. Mrs. Stein will take $250 from the library account for other planting.

Old Business

The Resident Information Pack will be sent with the calendar in the next Sea Breeze.

A meeting for reviewing the Bylaws will be held in the near future.

A list of minimum requirements for the Distinguished Service plaque is needed.

The next meeting will be June 23 at the Community Hall. The meeting was adjourned at 12:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Eleanor D. Lagner, Clerk

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