Northport Selectmen’s Meeting

5/17/04

PRESENT:   Selectmen:  Denise Lindhal, Ed Moran, Paul Rooney;  Mike Brown, Harbor  Master; Larry Doucette, School Board/Zoning Board; Pete Bixler, Zoning Board; Superintendent of Schools

The meeting began with a discussion on the Mussel Farm lease and appeal of Todd Merolla.  No decisions have been made as yet.

Mike suggested the Town consider a Shellfish Ordinance in the events the flats should be opened for claming in the future. 

Harbor limits were also discussed; 2,500 feet from the low mean water mark.  The North and South boundaries need to be set.  It was recommended to meet with the Harbor Committee to discuss the boundaries.

The legality of a clause in the mooring application was reviewed.  Mike stated the application is legal and based on the state law and has never been challenged.

School Budget:

A lengthy discussion followed on the extremely large increase in the Town share of the school budget.  The large increase is due to the increase in property values and decrease in enrollment.  It was suggested to try and change the assessment to enrollment only.  The selectmen will write a letter to the Board of Directors petitioning them to change our method of assessment.  Other district selectmen will be asked to sign a joint letter expressing concern with the large increases to the towns.  It will also be stated that Northport will pursue the option of leaving the district.  A budget hearing will be held June 1 at 7pm regarding the June 8 budget vote.  It was agreed to encourage as many people as possible to attend and voice their feelings on the increased budget.  The selectmen will write a letter requesting the budget go back to referendum.  Ed Moran agreed to draft a letter.

Zoning Board:

Another alternate member is needed and will be advertised.  The present members will be reappointed.   Staggered terms will also be implemented as follows:

            John Dykstra    expires 5/2006   reappoint till 2009  3yrs

            Pete Bixler        expires 5/2005   reappoint till 2008  3yrs

            Earl Cushman   expires  5/2004   reappoint till 2007  3yrs

            Larry Doucette  expires 5/2004   reappoint till 2006   2yrs

            Todd Merolla    expires 5/2004   reappoint till 2005   1yr   (alternate)

            Alternate           expires 5/2005    reappoint till 2006   1yr   (alternate to be named)

The Planning Board needs to appoint someone to take minutes at their meetings and distribute accordingly.

Other Business:

Mike and Hellen Vallaro presented a new liquor license.  The previously approved license was issued in Hellen’s name and was invalid.  Non-US citizens are not allowed to have liquor licenses.  The new license was issued in Mike Vallaro’s name.

Administrative Ordinance:

Bill Kelly tabled this while corrections are being made.  This has been faxed to Eric Gallant with Bill Kelly’s comments for review.  No action needed at this time.

Cemetery:

Improvements to the Beech Hill Cemetery will be put out to bid.  Denise will make an ad to include setting stones, fixing sites, grading, leveling and seeding where needed.  The bids will be read at the June 21st meeting.  It was agreed to do improvements to one cemetery each year.

Other:

Delinquent taxes were discussed.  30-day notices for 2003 will be going out soon. 

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next meeting will be 6/7/04