Minutes of NVC Meeting of October 12, 2003

On October 12, 2003 , at 9:05 A.M. , President Jo Huntoon convened the meeting of the Northport Village Corporation Board of Overseers. The meeting was held for the first time in the new meeting room in the basement of the Bayside Community Hall. Attending were Overseers Robbins, Hanrahan, Crofoot, Metcalf, Allen, Spollett, and Brockway, treasurer Doucette, and Clerk Lagner. Approximately 30 residents also attended.

The minutes of the September 21, 2003 , meeting were accepted as amended.

The treasurer’s report was accepted as follows:

            General Government:                       $68,682.33

            Water Department:                             6,917.89

            Sewer Department:                          85,772.35

Committee Reports

Utilities Committee

Crofoot presented the Utilities Committee Report. Jim Fitch from Woodard and Curran attended the last meeting, reviewing the engineering involved in assessing of the options we have concerning the wastewater treatment facility. Options seem to be hooking into an existing system or building a new system, either a low-rate or a high-flow system. Hooking into Belfast ’s system is not financially feasible. Overboard discharge may not be acceptable in the distant future. But leach fields wear out, so a large amount of land would be needed (a minimum of 20 acres). NVC’s biggest flows are in April because of the I&I (inflow and infiltration). Sewer repair work in Phase I hopefully will reduce this quantity, but Metcalf pointed out that the scope of Phase I sewer repair work has been narrowed because energies have been transferred to the south shore water line extension. Many sewer lines are still badly in need of repair, increasing infiltration. This must be remedied.

Crofoot pointed out that the number of users is not likely to increase, so maintenance of the new system, plus paying off the debt, must come from present income figures.

There are still about 20 water meters to be installed. Ti Sales will contribute 24 additional water meters to add to the 22 presently in stock. Another installer will be hired to finish the job.

Phase I and II work is proceeding. Fancy is talking with Town Selectpersons seeking a commitment for paying paving costs previously agreed upon.

For Phase III, up-front expenditures (preliminary engineering, legal, administrative, etc.) of about $17,000 are still outstanding. Still to come are site investigation costs estimated at $8,000 and more engineering and legal costs. A budget is needed. Crofoot moved, seconded by Hanrahan, that the proceeds of the $23,000 CD available in the sewer fund be used to pay the outstanding debts, examining the maturity of the CD and having the corporation advance funds if necessary, if it is to the advantage of everybody to have the interest paid rather than be canceled. Voted.

The present water billing schedule is confusing. Crofoot moved, seconded by Metcalf, that the Utilities Committee be empowered to do what is required to move to trimester billing (May, September, winter) for both the sewer and water users. Voted. Doucette suggested a letter be sent out with the water quality report.

A letter clarifying who receives water and sewer bills was presented. Each dwelling unit (defined as having water, sanitary treatment, and a kitchen) receives a bill.

Facilities Committee

Brockway reported on the Community Hall meeting room project. In less than two months, 19 volunteers, under the planning, direction, and hard work of Alden Badershall and Dick Brockway, built into the open basement an insulated, heated, well-lighted meeting room. A well-earned round of applause was given for their efforts which made it possible to accomplish much more work than was expected and complete the project under budget and ahead of time.

Brockway has prepared an agreement to be signed by the owners of the masts to be stored in the Community Hall to cover liability and damages.

Village Agent

Wharf: Several bolts need to be replaced on the wharf pilings.

Recycling: Paige would like to set days for picking up re-cycled items. It is too difficult to do it on the trash-pickup days. He suggests Tuesdays or Wednesdays, year round. He would like to start this in June.

Snow Plowing: There is no plow around small enough to do most of the Village roads. If the Village will buy the plow ($3,475), Paige will plow the roads for two years, at the end of which time he will own the plow. Metcalf moved, seconded by Hanrahan, to buy a new plow, not to exceed the $3,475 that Bill mentioned, but would encourage him to make a good bargain. Voted.

Parking Ordinance

Crofoot gave the background of the writing of a parking ordinance, including many drafts, hearings, and an opinion vote at the annual meeting. Crofoot further explained that the adoption of a parking ordinance is entirely at the discretion of the Board of Overseers and need not be submitted for public approval. The final draft of the ordinance was then read and discussed and amended. Crofoot moved, seconded by Metcalf, that the Parking Ordinance be accepted as amended. Voted.

Zoning Ordinance Hearing

A public hearing concerning the citizen-initiated request for a change in the Zoning Ordinance, having been duly noticed, was held at this time, moderated by Overseer Judy Metcalf.

Visitors’ Concerns

Wittes: Asked for information as to how to winterize his year-round house.

Will he have to remove the water meter, or can it stay connected? Overseers suggested he talk to experienced caretakers.

Merolla:  Announced that the owners of the mussel farm have applied for a permanent lease. The task force will have a public meeting on Thursday, October 16, at 8:30 A.M. at the Trade Winds Hotel in Rockland . This may be the only time to register some Bayside residents’ concerns.

Wilson : Expressed concern that the park is not returned to its original condition after the construction. Crofoot explained that the work is not completed. Complaints should be registered on the forms available in the office. Metcalf stated that public comments are welcome, as Overseers need to be made aware of problems.

Lovejoy: Is concerned about a dangerous situation on Main Street between Ruggles Park and the playground. Children race between the parked cars without looking to see if any vehicle is coming, and some child may be hurt.

Williams: Is concerned that George Street paving is still not done. Phillips added that icy roads will make it even worse. Crofoot answered that the bulk of the paving will be done, but his real concern is the situation on the Shore Road .

Old Business

Mailbox in Ruggles Park : It costs $3,000 to put a mailbox in, and it has to have a minimum amount of mail that goes into that box on a constant basis. It would take a private act by Congress to tell the post office to put in a mailbox.

New Business

Crofoot: With boat float repairs facing us, NVC needs to have returned 50% of the mooring fees/boat excise taxes, a sum the NVC has always received until the last few years. This needs to be discussed with the Selectpersons. It is important to have free use of this money rather than asking for specific project reimbursement from the Harbor Committee.

Lagner: The Yacht Club Directors ask permission to build a storage bench on the wharf to hold the Lifeguard’s equipment. The addition of a 9’ surfboard to the clubhouse storage area has caused real problems. Some concern was expressed that a storage bench would create a dangerous platform attracting swimmers, but a slanted top, sharp surface, and a railing-high structure were suggested as solutions. Metcalf would like a materials list with cost estimates. The structure should fully accommodate the lifeguard equipment to be stored there.

The Yacht Club plans to buy two more tables for the Community Hall to bring seating to a full 100. Lagner suggested that the Overseers buy tables for the new meeting room at the same time. Metcalf asked for prices before making a decision.

The next meeting of the Board of Overseers will be in the Community Hall Meeting Room on Sunday, November 16, at 10:00 AM . The Utilities Meeting will be Friday, November 7 at 2:30 P.M.

The meeting adjourned at 12:02 P.M.