Minutes of NVC Meeting of May 16, 2004

On May 16, 2004 , at 10:00 AM , President Huntoon convened the meeting of the Northport Village Corporation Board of Overseers in the Community Hall meeting room. Present were Overseers Brockway, Spollett, Crofoot, Metcalf, Robbins, Allen, Treasurer Doucette, and Clerk Lagner.

By motion of Crofoot, seconded by Robbins, the minutes of the April 18, 2004 , meeting were approved as written.

Financials

Doucette presented the Treasurer's report which was accepted by motion of Crofoot, seconded by Robbins, as follows:

            Balances on hand:

                        General Government                                              $93,396.28

                        Water Department                                                    11,410.66

                        Sewer Department                                                   20,612.68

Doucette reported on his investigation into finding a new auditor for the General Fund. Camden National Bank suggested seven auditors, and after study, Doucette recommended Purdy, Powers, & Co. of Portland , who presently conduct the audit for the Town of Northport . After discussion, Metcalf moved, seconded by Crofoot, that Purdy, Powers, & Co., be retained to prepare the General Government Account audit for fiscal year 2003.      Voted.

Utilities

Superintendent Fancy presented the financial reports and an update on Phase I and II progress. Robbins was asked to post notice that anyone who had a problem with the construction to submit it in writing to the office by Memorial Day.

It is hoped that all work will be completed by the end of June or early July.

Jane Phillips presented one problem which still exists by her cottage. Run-off from Rogers Lane is depositing silt, rock, etc. in her driveway and yard. Fancy will talk to the Town (the road by Phillips's cottage is a Town road) about ditching and finishing the storm drain down to the brook, and Paige will re-grade Rogers Lane to change the water's path.

Fancy presented a suggestion for solving the Bay Street/Sea Street problem. It is proposed to widen the road on the west side, across from the cottages, and install a catch basin for drainage. This would allow owners to park safely in front of their cottages. Sargent & Sargent has quoted a price of $14,769.51 for the work. Doucette will examine the books to see what surplus money might be available. Crofoot moved, seconded by Brockway, that we authorize Sargent & Sargent to spend up to $15,000 for the rebuilding and drainage work on Sea Street and Bay Street . Voted.

Lagner requested that the public path at the southwest corner of the Union Cottage be patched when other paving patchwork is being done in the Village.

The requirements of the DEP consent agreement are being met, including the funding report due June 1. A few bad joints in the outfall pipes were discovered recently and are being repaired.

For Phase III (wastewater treatment), the Income Survey of year-round sewer users has been completed; pending state approval, the figures may make it possible to apply to Rural Development for funding of a 45% grant/55% loan, which is what NVC had for the Phase I and II projects.

The I&I study is being conducted. NVC shows about 50% reduction in peak flows as a result of the Phase I work. The Kelly Cove Development outflow problems are still being studied. Doucette suggested that professional expenses incurred through this research be broken out from other expenses for future reference.

Phase III planning costs are being paid by the Sewer Department Account. The second part of the facilities study is due in September.

Fancy presented the financial reports for the Water and Sewer Departments.

Utility bills will be sent out this month.

Village Agent Paige

1.      Community Hall roof: Work is still pending, waiting for Armstrong, the low bidder.

2.      Lawn-mowing: Robbins moved, seconded by Crofoot, that Paige negotiate with Lawns-R-Us to cut back on the number of months of their original quote to fall more within our financial guidelines and budget. Voted. Later in the meeting Paige returned the Lawns-R-Us response to this request, which was substantially higher and ignored the NVC request to reduce the bid to 6 months rather than 8. Paige suggested we buy a mower and hire an extra man to mow and do other necessary jobs now being contracted out. Robbins moved, seconded by Crofoot, that we hire Bill Paige to mow the grass before the Memorial Day Weekend.  Voted. Paige will investigate alternative mowing arrangements for the future.

3.      Discussion continued about the location and repair of Bayside mailboxes.

4.      Paige suggested that the old pump house on Bluff Road be graveled in for under-cover storage of the police car. Paige will get an estimate.

Village Resident Concerns

1.      Russ Handler:

a.      Expressed concern about the speeders on the Shore Road (and Bluff Road ) during the day. Present police coverage is mostly during the evening. As the Town will not police it, NVC could request radar coverage from the Sheriff's office. It was suggested that residents write letters to the Sheriff's office, and the Safety Committee will ask DeMeo to change his schedule in order to cover more daylight hours. Handler suggested that summer speed bumps might work.

b.      Requested financial records. Handler was asked to send this request in writing to the Village Office.

2.      Blair Einstein:

a.      Concerned about the Bay and Sea Street road location and drainage problem. Fancy assured him that the problem is being addressed.

b.      Harry Rosenblum requested permission to be married in Bayview Park some time in September, with the Community Hall as backup in case of rain. Rosenblum was instructed to contact Marge Brockway for a copy of the policy, and to sign up with Jeanette Tardiff to reserve the Community Hall.

Utility Committee

Crofoot summarized some points about the U. of M students' study of wastewater solutions. Using the golf course to spread treated effluent is not practical; they do not need that much water. Lagoons and package plants are still being studied.

New Business

Wharfmaster Job Description: Gordon Fuller would like a written job description of his duties as wharfmaster. Among other things, Fuller would like his position made clear in relationship to Village Agent Paige, the Northport Harbor Committee, and Harbormaster Mike Brown. Metcalf and Fuller will work together to write such a description.

Nominating Committee: Sid Block has agreed to chair this committee. Metcalf moved, seconded by Brockway, that Sid Block be appointed chair of the Nominating Committee, and he formulate a committee, presenting a list of the proposed members to the Overseers for approval as convenient. Voted.

Annual Report: Lagner passed out an update showing progress on the Annual Report. It was decided to include only unpaid taxes and water/sewer bills in the Addendum.

At 11:55 , the Board moved into an executive session requested by Metcalf on a personnel matter. At the close of the executive session, Crofoot moved, seconded by Robbins, that the meeting be adjourned at 12:15 PM .

The next meeting will be June 13, 2004 .

Eleanor Lagner, Clerk