SELECTMEN’S MEETING

February 21, 2005

PRESENT:

Denise Lindahl; Paul Rooney; Ed Moran; Jim Nealey, Chm Planning Board; Doug Mayer, Transfer Station Committee; Kathy Fuller, DOT; Eric Gallant, MCRP; Barbara O’Leary

DOT Presentation:

Kathy Fuller of the DOT gave an in-depth presentation on the long range planning for the Route 1 Corridor from Brunswick to Stockton Springs, referred to as Gateway-1.  She outlined a “Memorandum of Understanding”, which is a formal understanding between the Towns along the Corridor and the DOT in which a set process is established to review and adopt a Strategic Plan for the Corridor and the issues between the Towns and the DOT.  She hopes to have 15 of the 20 Towns sign the understanding.  At meetings held last year, towns were grouped together and Northport was put with Belfast , Searsport and Stockton Springs.  The Selectmen expressed concern being grouped with Belfast and asked if we could be placed with Camden and Lincolnville.  The Selectmen felt Northport has more in common with Lincolnville than Belfast .  Kathy will see if we can be moved to that group and will let Denise know the outcome. 

Ed Moran asked about the cost and funding.  He feels the State needs to get a better handle on its spending.  He is not for more spending when the current budget seems to be out of control.  Kathy stated it would cost about $1million dollars for the study of the 100 miles in this Corridor.  Money is coming from the State and Federal government.  When 15 Towns have signed on, the planning process will begin.  It’s estimated the study will take 2-3 years.  If 15 Towns do not agree to the Memorandum of Understanding, by July 2005, the group will be null and void.   Currently there are 9 towns that have singed on, with 4 most likely to sign, others are talking it over.  The Selectmen stated they need to think this over and were not ready to sign at this time.

 A Steering Committee will be formed to put long range plans in place for all the 20 Towns.  Each Town will have members on the Steering Committee and will participate with input from their Planning Boards, comprehensive planning committees, etc.  Jim Nealey stated he felt the Towns were losing control of their ordinances and the Steering Committee would determine what the Towns can and cannot do along this 100-mile stretch.  He also expressed concern about the cost and funding.

Denise felt it was important for the Town to be a part of any changes that are coming, stating Northport should be a part of the process, if only so we know what is going on and can voice our opinions and concerns.  She asked that Northport be moved into the Lincolnville group.  If we can be moved to this group, the Selectmen agreed to be a part of that group.  Denise asked some residents present what their thoughts were on this project.  They agreed Northport should participate in the Steering Committee, but wanted to know how the other committees in Town felt.  Jim stated the Planning Board was meeting that week and he would talk with them.  The selectmen agreed to discuss this further and decide in a month.   Jim asked Kathy for financial information on the project/study and she will get this to him.

Eric Gallant also favored Northport being a part of this process to represents its interests in any changes that will be coming. 

A discussion then followed on reviewing changes to the Subdivision Ordinance, Site Plan Review and the Administrative Ordinance.  Eric recommended a meeting for ordinance review.  The Planning Board will meet Tuesday and discuss the changes.  If no further changes are needed, public hearings will be set 30 days before the Town Meeting in May.  It was agreed to have a joint meeting of the Planning Board and the Sub division Committee on 3/7 to discuss changes and vote to present these changes at the Town Meeting.

Jim noted the Subdivision Ordinance has many changes, which need to be discussed.  He asked for a list of geologists and storm water engineers, should the need arise for these, through the changes being made.

Eric Gallant has seen no further changes from the Town Attorney on the Administrative Ordinance, and will send his final draft to Denise for review.  This also will need to be presented and discussed at a public hearing before coming before the Town for approval at the annual meeting.

Transfer Station Committee

Doug Mayer gave an update on the Committee and what issues face the Town.  One option is to go to curbside pickup.  About 40% of Town residents now use curbside pickup for their trash.  If more people went to curb pick up it would eliminate most of the trash at the transfer station.  The Town could oversee the pick up or see if residents wanting to start pick up could get a discount from one of the haulers currently doing pickup. 

Doug gave out a handout of the cost of pick up based on the value of the home.  If a home is valued at less than $200,000 they are paying more to take their trash to the dump than having curbside pickup.

Another option is mandatory recycling.   Special bags will be needed and it may not be feasible since it won’t save the Town that much money.

Until liability issues are addressed at the dump it doesn’t make sense to make drastic changes.  Encouraging more residents to pay for curb pickup will lessen the costs of hauling the trash out of the dump.  Sullivan and Pine Tree currently do curbside pickup in Town.  Sullivan is geared more toward recycling than Pine Tree.

The best option is to encourage more curbside pick up.  This will save people money but no great savings to the Town and no sense doing things different from what they are now.  With no new projects coming, the Transfer Station Committee has disbanded. 

The Selectmen thanked the Committee for all their hard work and interest in the Transfer Station.

Abacus Computers

Ben Cameron of Abacus Computers gave a presentation on computers needed for the town, a maintenance program and Internet for the Town.   (See attachment)  He has recommended certain computers for their dependability and long-term use.  If the Town chooses to buy its own computers Abacus can still maintain them with a contract or by the hour rate.  He does not see any better internet connection for this area for at least 3years.  Due to the complexity of records that must be maintained by Towns he recommended a high end server which will also enable Abacus to trouble shoot from their office and fix problems through the internet.  Mr. Cameron suggested looking into Internet funding for rural towns to see if we could get a T1 Line for higher-grade Internet access. 

CEO

The Selectmen asked that the CEO post the days he will not be in the office.  Since he is here only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, people count on him being here.  There is no alternate for him and it should be posted when he will not be in the office. 

The CEO submitted an estimate for work to move his office upstairs.  Frank had stated he would do the work and he put together the estimate.  The Selectmen felt the estimate was incomplete and requested a new one.  After discussion, it was AGREED to have Jaime Drinkwater do the work since he is already doing work at the Town Office.

LIQUOR LICENSE:

Mike Vellaro submitted an application for a lounge liquor license for the Twin Maples Motel.  Denise asked what the plans were for the motel with a liquor license.  Mr. Vallero stated there is a small area he will use as a lounge for people staying at the motel and he will serve light snacks.  Denise informed Mr. Vellaro there has been talk of entertainment at the hotel and Mr. Vellaro replied the license is for guests to have a drink while staying at the motel.  Denise explained the hearing process for a liquor license stating it must be posted in the newspaper for 2weeks giving people the opportunity to come to the hearing, which will be held at the next Selectmen’s Meeting on March 7, 2005.

GASBY:

Denise reminded the Selectmen they need to finish gathering information for GASBY.  The Auditors will be here 3/15-17 and will need the data.  Vicki will be asked to help with depreciation. 

DONATION:

Barbara reported the Town received a $1000 donation from MBNA on behalf of Jeffrey Littlefield.  The money will be put in the 1^st Responders.

MMA:

MMA did a risk management review of the Town’s insurances.  There were concerns with rescue equipment not being insured.  The Fire Department’s Articles of Incorporation are also needed.  Paul stated he has them and will get them to Barbara to be copied.  A request to our current carrier for a review of losses over the past 5 years has had no response.

ABATEMENTS:

After review of the requested documents from the Appraiser, Roger Peppard of RJD, the Selectmen AGREED with the assessment of the property for the Belfast Water District and the abatement was denied.  A letter will be sent stating this action.

Two other abatements were also denied for Judith Rohweder and Martha and Sidney Block.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 12noon the Selectmen’s Meeting went into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.  Executive Session ended at 12:50pm and the personnel matter will be referred to the Town Attorney.

ADJ