Last Nights' Town Council Recap.

THIS will be airing Thurs. November 13, 2008 7:00PM Channel 7.
Monday nights' upcoming School Committee meeting will be airing same Night and time on Ch.22.

Here is a recap of last nights Town Council meeting from one of our roving reporters:

First item on the agenda:

MAINE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION POLICY.

Mr. Eldridge provided the council with a copy of a MMA policy which states guidelines on how to use MMA and who can use it. The Council voted 6-0 to accept the policy as written.

Next item: FEE SCHEDULE - COPIES

Mr. Eldridge reported that a survey of what surrounding towns charge for copies was done with the following results:

Lewiston: .30/page
Topsham: .50/page
Brunswick: .50/page and then .25 for each additional page
Lisbon: $1/page

He admitted our charge was rather steep. He proposed .50/page for single-sided copies and .75/page for double-sided copies. Council voted 6-0 to accept this fee schedule.

BUDGET PROCESS CALENDAR

Steve and the Council reviewed the budget process calendar. Mike had concerns with the meetings in March and being able to get through all the department heads presentations.

This is when Norma said to Roger, "Did you get all those meeting dates in March Roger." In her snide/condescending way.

RESIGNATION (1) CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEMBER.
Voted 6-0 to accept the resignation.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT.

Diane Nadeau gave the council with an informative presentation about all our library has done and continues to do. She showed an online presentation of how to use the new Mandarin software to check your library account online. You can view books, reserve books and even extend your due date on current books you have checked out. She discussed several programs, including Toddler and Preschool Story Time (which after having one day eliminated due to last years budget cuts, has gone back to a twice a week program due to popular demand), Summer Reading program, 'Tween Nights provided for our kids, and Adult programs.

The Bookworm Bend Garden continues to be a huge success with the young children, and has received the addition of "Gus", a large bookworm the children can play on and climb over. She also reported that given the current economic status, she has noticed an increase in people checking out books instead of going to a big bookstore to purchase the book. The wireless internet is being utilized more too, and the library currently has three terminals for patron access, with plans to add more. Gina Mason asked if patrons could still get books and materials from other libraries, and Mrs. Nadeau explained that because of the increase in gas and subsequently the currier service, Inter-library Loan and Home Delivery were services that the Governing Board had been forced to reluctantly cut in the last budget.

TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT

Steve reported attending an athletic/fields meeting with several key players from the town/Public Works, School Department, Athletic Boosters and LJAL. This was an excellent meeting with the end result being everyone being on the same page as far as who uses the fields and the need for more.

Mark Stevens has been offered to purchase a 15 passenger van at a good price to be used for MTM events including the senior center. Lengthy discussion on what the van would be used for and how many would use it. Concerns were expressed as to ADA requirements and difficulty for seniors getting in and out of the van. Mark was on vacation so Steve will arrange for Mark to get on the agenda to be able to answer questions the TC has.

Steve also attended a Capital Improvement Budget Meeting discussing town properties/infrastructure. Discussions surrounding Campus Ave/MTM//LES properties. Steve reported they are looking into $250,000 CBGB funding to fix MTM. Lengthy discussion Campus Ave (Old Lisbon High School) property. Roof leaks, bricks/mortar needs work, very expensive work needs to be done to this building. Steve said the Fire Department uses the building for training and they were concerned that the tower was coming off the building. When inspected the bricks and mortar are in bad shape. If the building is in need of such repair why is the Fire Department using the building for training only adding to the wear and tear on the building? Who gives them approval to use the building? Steve said it could be torn down even if it is on the National Historical Register. When asked how, he said, "There was a building in the Bates Mill Complex that was on the National Historical Register and it's gone now."

Steve also reported that an elderly Lisbon Resident is donating 4.5 acres of land on Ferry Road to conservation.

MAINE BMX OPTION TO LEASE

Steve Eldridge stated that they needed to schedule an Executive Session to meet and discuss the items of concern the council had as well as what they had to offer with the lady from the BMX group to come up with a lease that she can then bring to the Planning Board.

Mike Bowie asked that they not jump into this until they have heard from the citizens because apparently we have some here tonight. We need to work with our citizens. Citizens were asked to come to the podium to state the concerns. Several citizens from the proposed BMX park expressed their deep concern with this project. One woman approached the council and had a petition in hand with 132 signatures from residents that are opposed to this plan. The room was full of citizens asking the council to reject this project. Everyone that wanted to speak were given a chance to speak.

The fact that they approved this in Aug. "Attorney Therriault said the Council would approve a lease, which would be the official vote and recommended for now the Council take a straw poll vote indicating their preliminary approval to use town property. The Council unanimously voted in favor of the BMX group moving forward to the Planning Board to build this track." says wonders about short term memory and the quality of legal representation.

Click here for the August 19, 2008 minutes.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

A woman from the Pinewoods Road area stood up and asked the council to please vote tonight on the BMX plan so they can get a good nights sleep. The council agreed to do a straw poll and it was voted 6-0 that the BMX option was dead. The group clapped and cheered.

Roger Cote asked a question regarding MMA and what the policy entailed. Norma read the policy and in it it states the only people able to contact MMA are: Town Manager, Town Council, Town Manager's Administrative Assistant, Chairmen of boards and committees, department heads. Roger asked why do we pay a town attorney AND MMA for legal fees. The town pays MMA $11,000/year to use its services which amount to education, training, legal and of course town employees insurance plans.

COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

Fern congratulated Roger on his win and thanked Charlie for his 16 years of service.

Dale thanked everyone for voting. 73% of Lisbon Voters came out to vote.

Gina said she and Dale attended a Revitilization Committee meeting. They are extending their logo contest. Gina also reported that this revitilization is not going to cost the town anything. Gina also reported that the Logo/Slogan contest was HER idea.

Mike also congratulated Roger and wished Charlie well. He also wished the LHS Football Team good luck Saturday against Dirigo.

Norma congratulated Roger and talked about Charlies many years of service to the town. She also thanked the town for voting in the charter changes. She said, "you agree with us by passing them all by a large margin."

Charlie congratulated Roger and commented on all he has learned. He also thanked the community for voting on the charter changes stating, "you agree with our work. We read the charter from cover to cover and worked very hard on tweeking it. The Charter is the foundation and these changes are just bringing it up to speed."

Meeting was adjourned.