Town Council Recap

Trail project bond referendum: Noyes Lawrence reported for a $100,000 home, taxes would increase $2/year. Roger Cote reported that we cut the school budget and looking at a shortfall with excise tax, etc. and times are tough. He said it was a great idea and good for the town but we can't afford it at this time. Gina Mason disagreed. Said it was part of revitalization of the town. voted 6-1 (Cote voted against) to be put on the ballot in November.

39 Village Street Demolition: Reggie Thiboutot, Property owner talked . He says he has sent certified letters to the town asking for an itemized bill and the town doesn't provide it. He wants to know line by line what was charged for legal fees. Mr. Thiboutot talked about other properties around town that do not have a fence around them. Church on Main St., Vacant basement filled with water on Frost Hill Ave. Mr. Crafts replied that "there is a family living in that property to keep vandals out". "Mr. Thiboutot doesn't have anyone living in his house."

Michelle Turmelle suggested to Chairperson Mike Bowie that he let the public speak. He said this has been going on for years, this isn't a new issue. Michelle said, but this is the first time it has been brought out in public. Mike allowed the public to speak and limited them to 2 minutes each.

Former owner (Reggie's mother) talked about the lien on the sewer. She has been receiving the letters from the town and she is no longer the owner. The TC said that is different than taxes. She said it is all lumped into the taxes.

Leon Bard spoke (see details in today's letter)...............

Michelle Turmelle got up and asked if the TC was sure all the T's were crossed and I's dotted. Were they sure legally, the town was prepared to go through with this. Mr. Bowie said he was 100% sure due to guidance from our town attorney. Michelle reminded the TC that if this goes to the appeals process this could cost a lot of money. And Asked the Question, Can the town afford that?

Vote was 5-2 to approve the demolition order. (Henry and Cote Against)



School Warrants were approved.

RT 9 water construction: Because of the contaminated Wells found and the timing of Route 9 construction the Town of Lisbon needs to get on this ASAP. TC to meet with Water dept. Town attorney responding to find out who is responsible to pay for this.

Town Manager's report: MMA convention coming up, Board of Assessment review needs applicants, Dispatch discussions will be come public after County meeting Wednesday. Mr. Eldridge will be out of the office attending the ICMA conference in Montreal. Click here for more information. Cathy Ricker will be in charge and will be running the next Town Council Meeting Sept. 15, 2009.* (What are we paying for his Networking Meetings? Isn't this the one that ole Jimmy Bennett is attending also? Imagine that. This must be a way to help Lisbon, right? Must be for Inter Country Revitalization.)

*9/8/09 update. Town Council meeting for 9/15 has been rescheduled for 9/22

Councilor Cote made note of the dedication of the Water Commission in particular to Publically thank Commissioner Bill Bauer for going the extra steps to personally investigate a citizens water issue. At the last Town Council meeting a citizen complained about the Water Dept. and strongly incinuated that her lack of water in her flush was a direct result of the Water Dept's. work. Mr. Bauer investigated and determined that her water problem was because the Water was turned off to her flush at the valve underneath it.

It was also addressed that the Code Enforcement position was expanded to a 40 hour per week job with a pay increase because of the extra responsibilities. To the argument of Town Manager Steve Eldridge the position did not warrant a pay increase because of mandated pay freezing for employees this year. After a detailed record of the minutes was presented by Councilor Cote, Code Enforcement Officer Mike Cote (No relation to Councilor Cote) is entitled the pay raise as recorded on Town Council Minutes. Mr. Eldridge was going to Look into it further.

Mr. Cote also presented a request for a "No Jake Brake" sign to be put out on Rt. 9 at the top of the Hill before coming down into town. Eldridge responded, "we'll look into it".