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Reports/Minutes
Below are Selectmen Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, January 17th and Monday, February 6th, 2012.
Board of Selectmen/Assessors & Overseers of the Poor
Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 6, 2012 immediately following the Special Town Mtg. in Emerson Hall
PRESENT: Gus Basile, Chairman; Peter Vogell, Dave Unger, Selectmen; Dale Abernethy, Town Manager; Karen Motycka, Finance Officer and Susan Macomber, Town Clerk.
PUBLIC: Brooke & Gil Tenney, Sue Macdonald, Jim Shanley, Tom Comiciotto, Bente Hartmann, Jack Burke, Par Kettis, Mike Morrison, Anne Miller, David Wyman, and Sharon Bray from the Castine Patriot.
Gus Basile opened the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
Agenda additions and/or deletions = None.
Gus Basile asked for a motion to approve the warrants, abatements; budget vs. actual and trial balance reports, bank reconciliations and excise tax collections.
Motion was made by Peter Vogell to approve the above. Second by Dave Unger. Approved 3-0.
Peter Vogell made motion to approve the January 17th & January 18th, 2012, Selectmen's Meeting minutes. Second by Dave Unger. Approved 3-0.
Dave Unger made motion to approve the January 27th, 2012 Selectmen’s Meeting minutes. Second by Gus Basile. Approved 2-0 (Peter Vogell was absent from the mtg).
AGENDA
Item 1. Gus Basile introduced.
Peter Vogell made motion to approve annual Victualer Licenses for the following:
Pentagoet Inn
Castine Inn
Castine Cottages
The Manor Inn
Second by Dave Unger. Approved 3-0.
Item 2. Gus Basile introduced.
Bente Hartmann, Harbor Committee Chair, was present.
Peter Vogell made motion to approve the 2012 Mooring & Dock Rules/Fees Policy as recommended by the Harbor Committee. Second by Dave Unger.
The Harbor Committee recommends one slight change this year: changing to allow dinghy storage on the town floats up to 13’ without motor (actual size).
Gus Basile reported that he spoke with Finance Officer, Karen Motycka, concerning harbor related fees vs. harbor related expenses. Approved 3-0.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1) Memo from Ruth Basile, Emerson Hall Restoration Committee, informing that the committee has given the Architectural Firm of Lewis & Malm the go ahead to begin drawings. This is a big step forward. The next step will be fundraising efforts, along with funding from the Town budget.
Gus Basile acknowledged the public present
-Par Kettis asked if meeting notices were being posted. Meeting notices are posted on the Municipal Bulletin Board (sometimes during the winter they are posted on the front door instead), Website, Cable Channel 7, and the Castine Patriot.
PAST ACTIONS: None.
SELECTMEN COMMENTS:
-Dave Unger pointed several of the references made on the latest Sheriff’s report: search for a lost dog and 11 violation tickets issued in 1-day/4-hrs between Orland & Castine.
-Many have agreed that a Fall Roadside Clean-Up effort is a good idea, therefore, Lynda MacArthur will work on organizing.
Upcoming meetings:
-Tuesday, February 21st – Selectmen to meet with School Board at 3:30pm; Regular Mtg at 4pm.
-Wednesday, February 22nd – T/G Mtg at 8AM in EH/February 24th – MMA BOT Mtg at 8:30AM.
-Monday, March 5th – Selectmen/Assessors & Overseers of the Poor Mtg at 4pm.
-Monday, March 19th – Selectmen/Assessors & Overseers of the Poor Mtg at 4pm.
(Karen/Dale will start Budget Work Sessions with Selectmen the first week in March)
Dave Unger made motion to adjourn. Second by Peter Vogell.
Approved 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m. Minutes by Susan Macomber, Town Clerk.
Board of Selectmen/Assessors & Overseers of the Poor
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 4pm in Emerson Hall
PRESENT: Gus Basile, Chairman; Peter Vogell, Dave Unger, Selectmen; Dale Abernethy, Town Manager; Karen Motycka, Finance Officer and Susan Macomber, Town Clerk.
PUBLIC: Brooke & Gil Tenney, John & Liz Parish, Jack & Sue Macdonald, Jimmy & Sue Goodson, David Wyman, Bill Brennan, Del Thomas, Pat Bishop, Ray Nualla, Tom Mason, Ann Miller, Berna Kaiserian, Gene Bland, Kathy Eaton, Anne Farnham, Elizabeth Ballou, Scott Vogell, Sara Leighton, Anne Romans, Betsy Lieser, Lynda MacArthur and Sharon Bray from the Castine Patriot.
Gus Basile opened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
Agenda additions and/or deletions = It was decided to move item #5(Sign Consent Agreement with the Farmer’s Mkt for the 2012 season) to be addressed after item #2. It was predicted that there would more discussions with item #3/#4 topics regarding “Updates from CPIC” and “Request for Funds from CPIC”; therefore these would be addressed last.
Gus Basile asked for a motion to approve the warrants, abatements; budget vs. actual and trial balance reports, bank reconciliations and excise tax collections.
Motion was made by Peter Vogell to approve the above. Second by Dave Unger. Approved 3-0.
Peter Vogell made motion to approve the January 3rd, 2012, Selectmen's Meeting minutes. Second by Dave Unger. Approved 3-0.
AGENDA
Item 1. Gus Basile introduced.
Anne Romans was present.
Peter Vogell made motion to approve for Witherle Memorial Library to apply for the Rudman Grant. Second by Dave Unger.
Gus said that the money used from this grant, if awarded, is for the weekly summer long author series with Maine authors. Gus said it is a wonderful series and hopes the Library is awarded the grant. The grant is for $1,000 and no matching funds are required. Approved 3-0.
Item 2. Gus Basile introduced.
Peter Vogell made motion to deny the parking ticket appeal submitted by Garrett Fish. Second by Dave Unger.
The parking ticket was issued on South Main St (W) (section immediately after Perkins St and the Pentagoet Inn; across from Oakum Bay Real Estate Office which has a no parking here to corner sign). The appeal states that he feels ticket was issued in error because there were cars parked in front and behind him and neither of them received a ticket.
It was determined that the ticket was not issued in error and if he disagreed with the decision he could appeal to the Selectmen.
Discussion.
Dale reviewed comments from Parking Ticket Officer, Jim Stone and noted that another ticket, issued to a different car was written at the same time for the same offense. Approved 3-0 (appeal is denied; ticket remains).
Item 5. Gus Basile introduced.
Peter Vogell made motion to approve and sign Consent Agreement with the Farmer’s Mkt for the 2012 Season. Second by Dave Unger.
Gus read the Consent Agreement which allows the Farmer’s Mkt to be located on the Town Common for the 2012 season even though the Zoning Ordinance prohibits. Approved 3-0.
Item 3. Gus Basile introduced.
Sue Macdonald, CPIC Chair, gave updates.
-The Zoning Subcommittee has been working on a new Subdivision Ordinance. A Public Hearing is scheduled for Thurs, February 2nd at 7pm for to hear public comments. Copies of the proposed Ordinance can be obtained from the Town Office and is posted on the Town website.
-At the Thurs, January 19th CPIC Mtg, Bucksport Town Manager Roger Raymond, was present speaking on Economic Development.
-The Economic Development Subcommittee sponsored the Holiday Light Up Castine Event which was a success. The Committee is working on more ideas to promote activity, growth and participation in Castine’s community. They also have been working on details for an Economic Development Director/Consultant for Castine which leads into item #4’s request for funds to hire an Economic Development Director/Consultant. The CPIC recommends that the issue be dealt with now, sooner than later (May Town Mtg) so we don’t miss out on opportunities with the upcoming spring & summer seasons and to allocate not more than $30,000 to hire the position. $30,000 is based on 2-days/wk at 8hrs/day for 12 months. The average pay scale is $30/hr.
Discussion.
Dave Unger pointed out concerns regarding a town employee vs. consultant and asked where the money would come from.
Karen Motycka, Finance Officer, addressed issues regarding funds. Money could not be taken from Contingency. Contingency is used for unexpected uses from the approved budgeted items. She said that money used now would have to come from surplus and needs to be approved by the voters.
Scott Vogell said the goal would have to be for the Selectmen to approve to schedule a Special Town Mtg now.
Peter Vogell said he favors the consultant route over hiring an employee position.
A citizens’ petition regarding the issue was circulated and received 89 signatures. It was submitted by Sue Macdonald. Once a petition is circulated and submitted, it has to go to the voters for a vote.
After discussions with the Selectmen and those present, it was decided that there would need to be another article asking the voters to approve a sum, not to exceed $10,000, to be taken from Surplus to fund a part-time Economic Development consultant through June 30, 2012.
This article would be recommended by the Selectmen and the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee (CPIC).
Dave Unger made motion to approve the consultant concept and to schedule a Special Town Meeting for the voters to vote on the issue and funds. Second by Peter Vogell. Approved 2-1 (Gus Basile opposed).
Peter Vogell made motion to have the article, recommended by the Selectmen & CPCI, to be voted on as written ballot. Second by Dave Unger. Approved 3-0.
The Special Town Meeting was scheduled for Monday, February 6th at 4pm with regular Selectmen’s Mtg to follow. The Selectmen will approve and sign the Special Town Mtg warrant the next day in a meeting immediately following the Town/Gown Mtg (Wedn. January 18th).
Scott Vogell expressed his thanks to the Selectmen.
Jack Macdonald gave an update regarding the Housing Subcommittee. Housing Subcommittee members are: Jack Macdonald, David Wyman, Jimmy Goodson, and Gil Tenney.
The committee’s charge is to research increasing access to affordable housing in Castine, increase diversity in Castine population and advise CPIC on Housing effects on revitalization in Castine.
They learned so far: affordable housing models work in MDI; cluster housing for workers is viable and must have community, government, regulatory and financial facilitation.
Another potential initiative: Elder Care Facility; so that the elderly could stay in Castine, remain as taxpayers, use services and support the town economy, continue using services from the Health Center and it could be funded by private enterprise.
Next steps: Identify customer base for moderately priced housing, proceed with moderately priced demonstration project and further explore feasibility of on-neck elder care facility.
The Housing Subcommittee will next meet on Friday, Feb 24th at 9AM.
The Selectmen thanked Jack for the updates and the committee for their work so far.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1) Annual Lighthouse Challenge Weekend request to access the Dyce Head Lighthouse Tower and Grounds. June 23rd-24th, 2012. Peter will be the contact person and in charge again this year. The times will be 9AM – 3PM and Peter will need volunteer help.
Gus Basile made motion to approve the request. Second by Dave Unger. Approved 3-0.
It was mentioned that this weekend could be a good opportunity for an Economic Development project. Sue Macdonald said she would inform the Subcommittee of this event.
Gus Basile acknowledged the public present:
-Ann Miller, CHPC Chair, was present along with Tom Mason from the CHPC. The commission has been working on details to propose that all of on-neck be designated as Castine’s Historic District. This area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The commission feels that it would be completely justifiable with Castine’s history alone but even more to be in compliance with the National Register designation. Ann said they hope to have the issue addressed at the May Town Mtg.
Discussion. It was suggested to circulate a petition which would give a good indication of public interest. Ann said it was a good suggestion and would inform the commission.
PAST ACTIONS: NONE
SELECTMEN COMMENTS:
Upcoming meetings:
-T/G Mtg on Wedn, January 18th at 8AM, MMA/Selectmen Mtg immediately following at Emerson Hall to approve & sign Feb 6th Special Town Mtg warrant.
-Monday, February 6th – Special Town Mtg at 4pm/regular Selectmen’s Mtg to follow.
-Tuesday, February 21st – Selectmen’s Mtg at 4pm.
Peter Vogell made motion to adjourn. Second by Dave Unger. Approved 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Minutes by Susan Macomber, Town Clerk.
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