Northport Village Corporation

Board of Overseers

Minutes of Meeting: March 13, 2005

The March meeting of the Board of Overseers was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by President Josiah Huntoon. Present were Overseers Judy Metcalf, Peter Allen, David Crofoot, Peter Spollett and, by phone, Mike Robbins. Also present were Village Agent Bill Paige, Karen Hoedtke and two residents.

Karen Hoedtke was nominated as temporary clerk in the absence of Clerk Lagner, so moved by Metcalf, seconded by Allen, all in favor.

By motion of Metcalf and seconded by Allen, the minutes of the February 13^th meeting were accepted.

As there were no apparent issues, the Treasurer’s report was tabled until the next meeting.

Village Agent Paige reported that six water meters have been checked. Each was found to have gravel, mud, and/or rocks in the base. Apparently the lines had not been flushed when the meters were installed; the gravel that was carried into the base then interfered with the operation of the meter. The meters themselves were not faulty or damaged. There was one freeze-up due to lack of insulation which resulted in a cracked meter in a house on George Street .

Paige discussed hooking the bad boy float to the big one; should not be a problem with the addition of a couple of moorings. The marker for the end of the outfall has arrived; will need to purchase 3/8” or 5/16” galvanized chain.

Visitors Concerns: None.

Facilities Report: Deferred until the next meeting.

Finance Report: Deferred until the next meeting.

Safety: Allen reported that the police are “on” for this year. The City of Belfast has placed an ad in the newspaper for lifeguards; we should do the same with the addition of the open-water requirement. Metcalf moved to authorize the appropriate advertising for lifeguards, seconded by Robbins, so voted. Suggested that Allen contact Belfast concerning their applicants.

Tree Warden: No report. Noted that Jane Phillips is presently housebound due to a broken arm.

Utility Department: Please refer to the minutes of the March 4^th Utilities Department meeting (available at http://www.baysidemaine.com/3-4-05_minutes.htm). Crofoot reported the highlights as:

1.      There were no license violations during January or February.

2.      The installation of the new check valves is still on hold due to the intense cold and the weather.

3.      We have not heard from the DEP other than there is no money available for funding Stage II.

4.      A quote from Aqua Maine for assistance with filing for a water rate increase with the PUC has been received. It appears quite high; we are looking for competing quotes.

5.      Any issues with the Town of Northport appear to have been settled.

Huntoon noted that Channel 5 indicated that Ellsworth, with 1400 sewer users, must replace their plant reportedly at a cost of $12 million. Also, complimented McElhaney on the clarity of his reports.

Metcalf referred to the Clerk’s report that had been sent to the Overseers. It is time to be working on the annual report. Metcalf also commented that there should have been no need to prove tax exempt status for the MBNA grant application to preserve the Village records. The Village holds a 501C3 certificate, is a duly chartered, legally constituted Village and is, therefore, tax exempt.

Additional Comments: Meetings are scheduled for April 10^th, May 15^th, and June 19^th. Huntoon showed an article from the Island Institute regarding purchasing stamps from post offices on the islands as a means of support for the postmasters.

Crofoot moved, Robbins seconded, all in favor, to go into Executive Session for a personnel matter.

On coming out of Executive Session, Metcalf moved, Crofoot seconded that the secretary receive a $1.00/hour raise effective June 1^st. So voted.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen L. Hoedtke

Clerk Pro Tem

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