More on the Town Council Workshop last Tuesday

2012-2013 BUDGET

Last Tuesday, December 13, 2011, the Town Council held its first Workshop devoted to the 2012-2013 town budget.  Of course, there was no notification of the subject matter going to be discussed on the town web site.  In fact, there was no agenda posted under the Agenda section of the web site.  The town council does not want you to attend or know what is going on.  Residents cannot speak or ask questions but at least you would understand which council is doing what to you.  Thank you for the article on the Lisbon Reporter detailing what took place at this workshop.

Pomelow is concerned about the roads in town especially Route 196.  Wake up Lori, Route 196 is scheduled to be repaved by the state in the spring of next year.  You should be more concerned about the roads your husband’s tractor trailers are destroying daily.  Local roads are not designed to handle the excessive weight of tractor trailers loaded or unloaded.

Bowie (the puppet master) wants every town employee, except his wife, a lump sum one-time bonus because of the lack of pay raises and the manner they have been treated.  Apparently, Bowie forgot the 2011-2012 budgets approved a 1.75% pay raise for all town employees and some department heads received $10,000 pay increases.  Could it be he is losing his memory along with everything else?  Bowie cannot include his wife because this would violate the Ethics Panel 2009 ruling on conflict of interest.  Are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mason was the only councilor who offered a suggestion to help reduce the operating cost of the town.  Gina made a great suggestion of allowing overnight camping at Beaver Park for a fee.  Bowie jumped in and suggested the town combine the Parks Department with the Recreation Department with a cost saving by removing Verla Brooks as department head because she does not need to be at Beaver Park 24/7.  According to Bowie the police department can handle any problems.  Are you kidding me, first the Police Department has plenty to do, even if they choose not to, without handling Beaver Park.  Second, Verle Brooks has done an excellent job with Beaver Park.  Adding Beaver Park to the Recreation Department is not going to save any funding but it will increase the requirements to travel back and forth.  So where will the additional vehicle come from and is the town going to have to pay for gas and maintenance on yet another vehicle?  It is perfectly clear to me Bowie has no clue or desire to improve the town efficiency or reduce the overall operating cost of Lisbon.  Bowie continues to demonstrate his lack of desire to reduce taxes in this town.

Ward and Lunt are not property taxpayers in Lisbon so they do not have a vested interest to reduce taxes in this town.  Both have stated they do not believe the citizens of Lisbon can handle a tax increase.  The proof is in the pudding, we will have to wait and see how they vote when it comes time.

Eldridge wants to move garden mowing to Parks Department.  Moving the cost from one department to the other is not a cost reduction.  It is a method to conceal operating costs.  This is exactly the method Eldridge utilizes to cover up the real cost of the operating the Police and Fire Departments. 

Why don’t we do something special this year and require the town manager and the finance director to list every line item in the department or sub division it is associated with reflecting the true operating cost.  This way there will be no hiding cost and will enable the taxpayers to see exactly where there tax dollars are being spent.

Why doesn’t the town council look for real cost saving in an effort to reduce the operating cost of the town in order to reduce spending and our taxes.  We have suggested combining the Police and Fire Department into the Public Safety Department.  We could eliminate both Brooks and Galipeau and get a qualified individual as Public Safety Director.  Turn the Communication Center over to the County.  This would save the town of Lisbon approximately $500,000 taxpayers’ dollars and help the County Commissioners with their problem of how to consolidate Communications Centers.  It would also enable the town of Lisbon to receive revenue from the County for rental on the communication space in the town office building.  What a concept save $500,000 tax dollars and in exchange receive a rental fee (money coming into the town)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with Peter Reuter; this town council needs to be tested for drugs several times a year.  These individuals are making decisions affecting our taxes and our way of life.  I want to ensure they are drug free making these decisions.

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

Town Council Workshop‏

TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP

December 13, 2011

Things the Town Council and Town Manager won't tell you.

Present at the December 13, 2011 council workshop were Councilors, Chair Fern Larochelle,

Vice-chair Lori Pomelow, Lisa Ward, Roger Bickford, Gina Mason and Mark Lunt.

Also present were Town Manager Steve Eldridge and Town Clerk Twyla Lycette.

Also present but not allowed to speak, ask questions or make comments, was Dot Fitzgerald.

The topic was BUDGETS. An overview of the 2012/2013 budget.

The meeting began with the School Department budget.

Mr. Eldridge said in his conversations with School Superintendent Richard Green

that Mr. Green expects the 2012/2013 budget to increase by $250,000.

The school department is hoping the budget will go to referendum on May 8, 2012.

Note: We always voted on the school budget in June.

Why the early vote?

It wouldn't be because the town is trying to avoid the citizen's wishes to vote on the

town budget as we do on the school department?

Twilia said that the cost of each referendum/election is approximately $3,000.

So, voting on the school and town budgets separately would cost more money. Do it together you dummies!!!!!

Eldridge trying to save money? Really???

Mr. Eldridge said to expect the town budget to increase by $36,000 due to increases in

normal expenses, i.e. insurances, etc.

The Fire Department is also looking to increase their budget, to bring their capital

improvement plan back on track. Public Works says they will need an additional

$250,000.

I thought that by combining Public Works, Transfer Station, Solid Waste and 

Town Engineer under one manager was to save money.

Where are the savings Ryan?

Keep in mind that one mil increase is an additional $45.000 on $100,000 of property valuation.

Fern asked that each councilor to voice their opinion as why they voted the way they did.

He feels the 2011/12 budget was bare bones. He said that in spite of that some

peoples taxes went up anyway.

Note: real estate taxes increased due to the property valuation adjustment required

by the State. Remember the real estate and personal property fiasco created by

Eldridge's friend, former assessor Pat Dow?

Lori's comments were that our town roads are in deplorable condition, especially Route 196.

Road improvements should be a priority in the next fiscal year.

Does that include Scotsdale Street Lori?

Her comments were echoed by new councilor Lisa Ward.

Lisa said that although she does not pay real estate taxes, she would not want

to see a tax increase. The higher cost of gas and groceries is hurting everyone, she said.

Mike Bowie would like every town employee to receive a lump-sum, one-time bonus.

He cited the lack of pay increases and the "way they have been treated in the past"

The way to justify it to taxpayers is the 80% valuation minus the homestead

exemption, plus the fact that property values go down each year. 

I'm wondering what planet he lives on?

Even Fern had a hard time understanding that one!

He, Mike, feels a capital improvement plan is a good idea.

He said that when at the Transfer Station one day he spoke with a man who

moved here from Massachusetts. The town he lived in increases taxed by one mil

each year. The extra was designated for capital improvements. Everyone expected it.

It would seem that Mr. Bowie has a short memory. Has he forgotten the $10,000

pay increases just given to a select few department heads?

Gina Mason emphatically stated she does not want to see any increases in taxes!

We need to make cuts in the budget. She suggested making more use of Beaver park,

such as allowing overnight camping for a fee.

Mike Bowie jumped on that one. He would combine the Parks Department with

the Recreation Department. Savings would be realized by demoting Verla Brooks

as department head. She does not need to be there 24/7. He said that if there was

a problem at the Park, all wold be needed is a phone call to the police department.

they would be there in minutes. (!?) In minutes? Could it be that they are already there?

Doing what?

A change of heart Gina, who always voted yes on everything?

Note: Can you imagine the vandalism if Verla was not there 24/7?

How about combining the Police and Fire Departments  Mike?

Create one Public Safety Department.

Retiring Chief David Brooks would be a huge savings.

Fern would go to department heads to look for effectiveness, than give bonuses.

Ask them to do more with less. Mike suggested departments reduce staff.

Mark Lunt echoed the fact that roads are bad. Can we fund 100% the next fiscal year or 50%?

would support tax increases, but would have to show taxpayers "we are trying to make cuts".

Note: Mark does not pay real estate taxes either.A tax increase would not affect him.

Roger Bickford can see a tax increase of 3 mils. Just kidding he said at the looks he was given.

He fees the taxpayers cannot afford a tax increase.

Eldridge, find effectivness. Roads are important. Consolidation. Would put parks, gardens mowing under parks.

That's just moving expenses from one department to another. No savings there. Hiding money again?

Fire Department capital improvement plan not realistic.

He is expecting cuts in valuation.

Well Yah! Personal property has been removed from the former Knight Celotex plant.

 Equipment is being removed from the former Worumbo Mill buildings.

Businesses are closing left and right.

Are Development business loans to failed  businesses being paid?  

And The Family Circus Continues.

Banking Malfeasance: It's a fraud problem, not a business cycle problem"‏

Lisbon,

You could watch the US news media for
a month straight, all channels, 24 hours
a day...

And never learn these basic facts about
our current financial predicament.

And never, ever see the facts woven together
in a comprehensive form.

Must watching. Must sharing.

Everything you ever wanted to know
about the meltdown but the
bullshit news media will never tell you

"It's a fraud problem, not a business cycle problem"

 

William Black put over 1,000 bankers in jail
during the S & L crisis

When someone takes the time to explain it to them, people get it.

This is not a class struggle.

It's a struggle between a deeply entrenched criminal class and the productive class, the vast majority of people who work hard at work, at home and in school.

The US is being gutted from the top down much in the same way the USSR was gutted at the end of its life by its elites.

We're not dead yet and thanks to people like William Black and tools like the Internet, we may have a chance yet.

Takeaway: "It is not a few bad apples. It is an orchard of 1%'ers who a rotten to the core."

If we don't stop this now, the US as we know it (opportunity for the honest and hard working) is done for.

I try not to be too judgmental (yeah, right), but anyone who doesn't get this basic fact is an idiot.

 What does this have to do with Lisbon?  Please stand by, you have had the very same thing occur right under your noses. And people, public officials have openly lied about it to YOU the taxpayers. And we shall prove it, shortly.

Lights Out In Lisbon For Lack Of Common Cents!

COMMON SENSE

In an effort to save tax dollars, the Town Council voted to turn off streetlights.  Now, the Town of Lisbon is dark and susceptible to crime.  Councilor Mason, what does this do for your “Main Street” project?  The Town Council is trying to conserve your tax dollars which is commendable but misguided. 

Let’s look at a more viable solution.  What would be the tax dollar savings if the Police and Fire Departments were consolidated to form the Public Safety Department?  We currently have a Fire Chief who is not fully qualified to be a Fire Chief and we are fortunate enough to have a Deputy Fire Chief who is fully qualified and has all the credentials plus is a member of the Maine Fire Chief's Association.  Why in the world should the taxpayers continue to pay for a Fire Chief who does not possess the credentials when we have a fully qualified Deputy Fire Chief?  The tax dollars savings is over $70,000.00 dollars annually (the current Fire Chief’s salary plus use of a town vehicle).  

By consolidating the two departments and letting the current Fire Chief go, the Town of Lisbon can save $70,000.00 dollars annually.  This solution would not reduce or eliminate any services provided to the citizens of Lisbon.  However, it would enable the streetlights to remain on and would not put our residents at risk.  Having the streetlights out puts our people at risk and increases the possibility of crime.  Since both of these options are public safety issues which makes more sense to you?

Keep in mind, with the streetlights out Brooks will be looking for additional funds to increase his police force next year.  Why are we continually shooting ourselves in the foot when common sense can provide a reasonable and profitable solution to the problem?

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

11/22/2011

Updated 7:00 pm

Yes! Your right. One point ,, we could start up an aux police dept to work with the others. The aux dept would be made up of citizens who volunteered. Keep up the good work
Vern

 11/22/2011
Updated 7:11 pm
 There are so many law enforcement officers that all ready live in Lisbon and Lisbon Falls why do we even need the Lisbon Police Academy?
Signed,
Russ Thiboutot

Where Do We Go From Here?

Where do we go from here?

I do know we are NOT giving up, until we have seen the last of the b@#$%&ds.

Roger told me last night the new Firehouse restaurant in Lisbon has gone under.

Looks like even the firefighters did not support it. Talk about loyalty!

and this was the third owner, all with town financing.

We have so much money to give away. Get the story from Roger and print it would you?

We're paying Scott Bensen, Rosie's replacement, to go to meetings and do studies and charts.

Another waste of money.

And the $5,700 Eldridge gave to Fire Chief Galipeau is still floating around somewhere.

$8,200 to tear down a building the town took, illegally, for unpaid taxes instead of working with the owner.

Graziano's is on the foreclosure list for unpaid sewer bills. They are over-assessed and over taxed, and Scott apparently is doing nothing to help them stay in town. they are the ones that need a loan and TIF.

 

But that makes too much sense.

I was really disappointed last night at council meeting. Roger thanked the voters for allowing him to represent them for 3 years. He thanked the over 1,000 that voted for him. And the only one that thanked him for his service, and I could barely hear him, was Mark Lunt.

Fern, even Roger Bickford, Lori, Eldridge must have lost their respective tongues.

New councilor Lisa Ward didn't even show up at the meeting. Like she really cares. 

Talking to a former classmate, taxpayer and part-time resident yesterday he said Lisa was at the transfer station before the election, shaking hands and introducing herself. He stopped to talk to her.  He owned businesses out of state. His opinion of her was "she's a flake", has no business being on the council. Could not understand why anyone would vote for her.

 

But this is Lisbon. all one needs is the support of Brooks, the fire department and town office, and no brains.

Dot Fitzgerald

Lisbon Concerned Citizen

Are Lisbon Citizens Any Better Off?

Over three years ago now, The Lisbon Concerned Citizens were formed in an effort to educate and enlighten the voters, taxpayers, and citizens in town about the shenanigans that were being conducted by the so called new leadership of a Town Council form of government.  Many people use to complain about the special interest groups that would come to the town meetings and vote for what they wanted, ie. Police Department, Fire Department or whatever group wanted something.  Well at least an audience full of voter's eager to express their right to vote was better then the current dictatorship type you all are under now with the Town Council.  Seven,  are making decisions for the rest of you to live with that, NOW, can't even express your concerns with the new audience rules because of Vice-Soon-To-Be-Chair Pomelow getting her "knickers in a knot" about the fact that someone might come to the podium and speak on something that she is not prepared to answer.  Well Hello,  isn't that what our forefather's fought and died for?  Freedom of Speech, the right to speak one's mind on any subject?

But it is deeper than just speaking at the podium.  Your so called leaders in town have been playing pin the tail on the money cow for so long that the poor cow is dead.  Just since current Town Manager Stephen G. Eldridge has been hired much too much money has been spent on unnecessary positions, raises, equipment, computer software, personnel, attorney fees, etc.  The Cow has no more money.  Now they have a computer program where they can move money around internally from one department to the next without leaving any trace.  How convenient, considering we are in the process of exposing the real hidden figures dealing with Lisbon's Private Dispatch Center. No one could look ahead far enough to see that the economy was going to hell in a hand basket in 2008.  It is worse now by far.

Then we have the tax fiasco with Mr. Dow and the dual tax billings two years in a row. Finally he is fired and now we have an inside man doing the revaluation process, year to year, if there is enough money to support the process.

But what you are missing is the fact that you all have been LIED to many times.  Even by sworn public safety officials.

The issues are much greater then just in good old Lisbon.  All across America things are in a state of turmoil from Arizona to Maine, if you have been paying any attention you know that there are great concerns and fallacies being conducted right under your noses.  Most courts and judges are corrupt leading to a gaggle of corrupt lawyers all playing the game of who can suck the most money up in any proceeding.  Don't believe me just try getting something done in our court systems.  Look around and see who and how things are done, redone, or undone depending on your perspective.  How many repeat offenders do you see in the papers?  Get my point? 

This country was founded and formed on the basis of "We the People" and culminates with "United We Stand".  So stand up get involved stop sitting on the sidelines thinking everything is going to be OK  because, "there must be someone else looking after that". There isn't and you are leaving one hell of a mess for your own children and grandchildren to deal with.

Todd Comber

'Special' to The Lisbon Reporter

Moral Obligations For Lisbon Councilors?

  Lisbon Maine Councilors Moral Obligation

In my opinion Lisbon Councilors should  approach their duties from the level of their lowest income residents. If they rule from a more affluent perspective they will be placing undue hardship on many elderly and low income residents.

  Government should take care of the basic requirements of the community, Police and Fire protection along with Road maintenance,public transportation and the daily administrative duties of the Town. It shouldn't be used to fund special projects that many cannot afford.  If  people want these additional non essential projects they should shoulder the costs themselves. Councilors shouldn't be allowed to pass along the cost of their own desires or that of their friends onto the less fortunate.


 Struggling  taxpayers shouldn't be required to pay for the pet projects of the more affluent Councilors.

 Why should A struggling senior citizen or single parent making 15 or 20 thousand a year be required to pay for a first rate Police Department with all its trappings at the expense of getting their own medications or food. And at the same time be refused basic public transportation because the powers that be don't need the bus service. This is morally criminal. 
Why should a elderly Lisbon resident lose their lifelong home or worse because a Councilor wants kudos for adding a third or forth unnecessary vehicle to any department or some other unneeded expenditure.

A good leader takes into consideration all the ramifications of their decisions..


I hope Lisbon Councilors remember they were voted onto the Council to serve the public not to use the position to improve their own social standing.

Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net

Way To Go Lisa!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS LISA

Congratulation Lisa!!  Your victory in this week’s election to the Town Council is a new beginning for you in the area of politics.  The people have spoken and now the town will see what you are made of.  The town of Lisbon is looking to you to make a serious difference in our lives.  The question is going to be “Are you going to put what is best for the community or be a puppet.”

I hope and pray you will always put the people of Lisbon first in all your decisions and vote only what you think is best for the citizens.  Only time will tell if you are going to be an asset or a liability to Lisbon.

The current council is made up of your friends so it will be easy to fit in with the puppets.  The hard part is going to be going against your friends and do what is right for the town of Lisbon.  Remember, the choices are always your choices and we look to you to always make the right choice.

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

See What Is Really Going On In Lisbon People!!

Hi Editor!

 

Thought this little bit of FB shows who REALLY is in Lisa Ward's back pocket...more of the same

 

 

 

 

De Bowie

We have ourselves a winner

Share · 20 hours ago via mobile ·

• 2 people like this.
• • 

    Deb Danuski Lisa?

    20 hours ago
  • 

    De Bowie Yup

    20 hours ago
  • 

    Deb Danuski Kevin's talking to her right now and I'm doing a happy dance!!!

    19 hours ago
  • 

    Deb Danuski Karma Baby!!!!

    19 hours ago
  • 

    Marc Veilleux Sweet!!

    19 hours ago
  • 

    Bill Tapley How close

    18 hours ago

THE LISBON CONNECTION BUS SERVICE‏

I have attended every Town Council meeting and workshop for several years.

And have served on the Budget Advisory Board.

I have listened to Town of Lisbon citizens who do not own a vehicle, who depend

on The Lisbon Connection to get them to and from work, to go shopping and to

doctor's appointments; who are concerned that that service may be no longer

available to them due to Federal budget cuts

. 

We, the taxpayers of the Town of Lisbon generously support the Police Department,

Fire Department and most every other Department in town.

 

At a Council meeting earlier this year Fire Chief Gallipeau came to a Council meeting

and said the Lisbon Fire Department needed $5,700. They needed it IMMEDIATELY!

It was not on the Council agenda, but the Town Council with all but one vote no, gave

them the $5,700, with the approval of Town Manager Eldridge.

 

The Town of Lisbon took, legally or illegially, still debated, a property at 3 Village Street Lisbon.

At the November 1, 2011 Council meeting the Council voted to spend $7,000 for the demolition

of said 3 Village Street, Lisbon, plus an additional $1,200 to dispose of asbestos in and on

the building.

 

The Town Manager also has a Ordinance to go to a public hearing. As follows:

 

                                 " SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION

    "WHEREAS, it has been determined that the dwelling located at 3 Village Street is beyond

repair and should be demolished; and

 

    "WHEREAS, surplus funds in the Surplus Funds Account, constituting revenue in excess of those

estimated in the Budget for the current fiscal year are available for this purpose; and

 

    "WHEREAS, the sum necessary for that demolition will not exceed Fifteen Thousand Dollars

($15,000.00).

 

    "NOW THEREFORE, be it ordained by the City Council of the Town of Lisbon that a sum of

up to Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) be and hereby it supplementally appropriated from

the Surplus Fund Balance."

 

That, along with a "Certification of Revenues in Excess of Budget Estimates"

Respectfully submitted and signed by Stephen G. Eldridge, Town Manager.

 

 

 Councilor Gina Mason, hello? Dis is Da Bus!!!

 

 

And, Town Manager Eldridge and "your" Town Council cannot find it in their hearts and budget to fund the extra necessary to keep The Lisbon Connection running for those that depend on it! ! ! !

 

Dot Fitzgerald

A Very Concerned Lisbon Citizen    

Firemen's Revenge... You Have To Love This Fireman For Making This Decision

This is one of the best photos that I have seen in years!

I bet the driver won't think he is above the law next time...

I've got one thing to say to this Firefighter who did this...

That's the attitude I want if my house is on fire!!!

Submitted by:  C.C. Bondermann

Are The Citizens In Lisbon In A Coma About The Illegalities Of Their Town Management?

PURCHASING POLICY IGNORED

During the last Town Council meeting, the Town Engineer Ryan Leighton requested the town council award a contract to a local contractor for the Route 196 Sewer Main Replacement project.  The original request was submitted through Eldridge and included on the council agenda. 

The cost of this project was well over $5,000.00 and required a “Formal Bidding” which was totally ignored.  The Town of Lisbon Ordinance demands any project in excess of $5,000.00 shall be in accordance with Section 86-34 Formal Bidding of the Lisbon purchasing policy.  This requires a Notice of Invitation to bid and should be published in a newspaper providing local coverage or mailed to a qualified bidders list.  Instead, Leighton only communicated with local contractors directly.  This is in violations of this section by not allowing, out of town qualified bidders, to submit a bid on this project.

The Town Charters allows local contractors to receive preference on all contracts.  It reads “provided all other factors are equal, a bidder having its place of business located within the town shall be awarded the contract if its bid is less than two percent higher than the low bidder.” or “If more than one bidder having its place of business located within the town is less than two percent higher than the low bidder, the contract shall be awarded to the lowest local bidder.” per Section 86-36.  This exception enables local venders to compete on local projects.

Let us not forget the April 19th Town Council meeting, Eldridge asked the council to allow Chief Galipeau to present an issue to the council.  This request was for $5,700.00 to move a building.  This request was not on the AGENDA but pushed through by the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Lisbon.  The council voted to approve (5-2 Cote and Lunt voted not to approve) the appropriation of $5,700 to FCI.  Sorry, but this violated the Lisbon Purchasing Policy Section 86-34 because it exceeds the $5,000.00 limitation and required a formal bid.  I hope no one tries to tell me this was an emergency situation because the building collapsed and was never moved. This illegal Purchase Order is still in effect and next week we will be into October.  The Town Council can approve up to $100,000.00 but must go through the Purchasing Policy.  This clearly demonstrates a complete disregard for the town charter by Bowie (puppet master) and the puppets.  I include Eldridge as one of the puppeteers.  This illegal Purchase Order needs to be immediately cancelled.

The residents of the Town of Lisbon have entrusted Ryan Leighton and the Chief Administrative Officer Stephen Eldridge to be familiar and adhere with the provisions of the town Charter.  The process utilized by Leighton and Eldridge is in direct violation to the Purchasing Policy.  It was exciting to see the Town Council recognized this violation and instructed Ryan Leighton to redo it properly.  This is not the responsibility of the Town Council but the Chief Administrative Officer.  At what point, are the citizens of the Town of Lisbon going to force the Town Manager to perform the duties he is receiving a salary (taxpayer dollars) of $80,000.00 plus.  Also, why do the residents have to put up with incompetence by Department Heads?  Ryan Leighton has clearly demonstrated he is not qualified to perform the duties as Town Engineer, Director of Public Works and Transfer Station or the Superintendent of Sewer.  Leighton receives a salary (taxpayers dollars) of $70,000.00 plus.

There is no wonder the taxes are so high in the Town of Lisbon when the taxpayers are forced to pay these enormous salary’s to individuals who are not qualified nor are performing the duties required by their position.  It is simple math; if you cut spending you cut taxes.  This has nothing to do with cutting service provided to the residents.  Until the citizens of Lisbon demand the Town Council reduce spending, your taxes will continue grow at a rate impossible to keep up with.  The Federal government has not raised the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) in several years but this has not stopped the Town of Lisbon from raising taxes to cover the excessive spending.

Larry A. Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

Ball One, Ball Two, Ball Three For Certain Lisbon Town Councilors, Umpired By Evil Eldridge

TRIPLE COUNCIL MEETING

The Town Council held not one; not two; but three council meetings Tuesday night.  At approximately 06:30 PM was the pre-meeting conducted by the puppet master Bowie.  In attendance were Vice Chair Pomelow, Councilors Bickford, Mason, and LaRochelle came in later.  This meeting was to ensure the puppets understood their roles at the regular scheduled meeting.  Councilors Cote and Lunt were not invited to this meeting.  Apparently, these councilors do not know where the council chamber is located.

Next meeting was the regular town council meeting held in the Town Council chamber as outlined in the town charter.  This meeting went off without a hitch.  Councilor Bowie would make a motion and one of the puppets would second and then all the puppets voted with the puppet master.  This continued all through the meeting. 

Apparently, some of the councilors screwed up because after the regular meeting several of the councilors moved to Evil Eldridge’s office to be debriefed.  These meetings are totally illegal.   They protect Chief Brook’s enormous budget so the police will never touch them.  This is why I keep telling the residents of Lisbon; this town has no police department but instead a protection racket.  Councilors are protected and untouchable. The pre-meeting and debriefing meetings are illegal and need to stop.

Councilors can criticize residents and place restrictions on them when they themselves are guilty of the same thing.  One council, Vice Chair Pomelow was cited by the Code Enforcement Officer for operating a junkyard out of their residence years ago before she became councilor and now she is requiring Mr. Morreale to clean up his property.   This councilor has been cleaning up her yard but still has a long way to go.  There are other councilors who have secrets in their closet which has been covered up by the police department.  This is why Brooks maintains such a large budget.  

Councilors should lead by example and not criticize fellow citizens of the Town of Lisbon.  This town needs to work hard to help residents who are suffering in these economic times instead of trying to legally steal their property.  It is amazing how the only property the town is going after are ones without liens on them.  These residents worked their entire life paying off the mortgage on their retirement/dream house and now because of the economy and the outrageous spending by the town are not able to pay their taxes.  This council has failed these people by not cutting spending.  Instead, this council supports inflated budgets by the police, fire and town manager.

This is the exact reason the council voted to include a survey on the November ballot instead of including a Charter Change on the ballot.  The council is delaying the process for another six months in order to protect the police, fire and town manager budgets.  I can almost guarantee the people regardless of the outcome of the survey; this issue will never again be discussed unless Councilor Cote brings this up again and then the council will vote not to include it on the next ballot.  This council and Brooks, Galipeau and Eldridge know the people will cut these budgets; if given an opportunity.

Larry A. Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

At Tonight's Lisbon Council Meeting Will There Be Redemption For A Redemption Center?

By Peter Reuter
  The Lisbon Reporter

Tonight at 7:00 pm at the Lisbon Town Office Building the Lisbon Town Council will be holding their regularly scheduled 'puppeteer ensemble'.  The regular cast is expected but wonder if there might  be a cast member strategically absent for another voting session like last time.  You see, or rather didn't see, and lord knows you can't really miss her, Councilwoman Gina Mason there.  That was the night that the Puppet Master, Mike Bowie, had the voting all arranged for a tie, which would let stand the actions of "Evil" Eldridge to keep the paperwork trail flowing to legally/illegally take a man's property.  A process of the most unscrupulous kind.  But considering the perpetrator the shoe fits like it was custom made.


A few questions certainly come to mind that would make this type of action by any town council most unethical at best.  The man is running a redemption center from one building and has rental property adjacent to this prime real estate location right in the heart of Lisbon Center.  At the first traffic light in Lisbon as you travel south on U.S. Route 196 from Lewiston.   But by a tie vote of 3 to 3 at the last council meeting, one of the yeahs being that of a very discerned Vice Chair Lori Pomelow the motion to stop the action by the town to take this businessman's property was not halted.

This longtime multiple business owner from Lisbon even had retained a lawyer to present their very reasonable solution to a stupendous problem created by mass confusion in the Town Office.  But no go.  

Public out cry over this situation has echoed through the valley at a rapid pace.  Calls have been made, letters have been written, and gestures have been thrown about the injustice that was done to a Lisbon Business owner. Remember the motto: "A Great Place To Live And Do Business"?  Perhaps there is another hidden agenda for this issue. 

Will there be another inside land sale issue like recently transpired with fellow councilor LaRochelle for a supposedly well advertise sale, according to Evil Eldridge, that no one saw?


Will Vice Chair Pomelow resign amidst this latest controversy to plague the "Bowie Puppets"?


Will Lisa Ward get nominated to fill the vacant seat if Vice Chair Pomelow does in fact bail out like she has threatened to us so many times before?




You as citizens in town might just want to attend the meeting tonight at 7:00 PM sharp to witness all of this for yourself.  After all what else is there to do in Lisbon on a Tuesday Night?  A lot of recent ribbon cutting ceremonied businesses have closed doors and left the town high and dry with the monies loaned to them to open. Many buildings have been evacuated and excavated leaving holes in an otherwise tight community.  Even Reny's so once championed to open up in Lisbon decided to go elsewhere.  But you don't hear about that stuff from councilor Gina Mason. No she has forgotten how much she was apart of that 'show'.   What's next for Lisbon? More new police cars or fire trucks?  


The coffee is boiling over, doesn't anyone smell it burning yet?


Only you citizens can make a difference if you want to.


Will there be 2 council seats open for this years voting?  So far 3 candidates have stepped up to the plate and taken out papers?  


Will there be a "BowieVoteSpoiler" thrown in for good measure?


And what about Brooks?  When will that old fart retire, again, and just leave Lisbon alone?  Probably not until he has sucked the last penny out of every taxpayer in Lisbon.


Don't pad the situation by some babbling for minutes on end and say nothing.  We only have asked for all of the facts to be presented in a concise manner.  We The People, the voter's in Lisbon can make rational decisions when all of the facts are presented to us.  But to keep going like has been since the inception of a Town Council form of government in this Town is a complete and utterly disgraceful insult to the generations of families that live and still try to work here.


So stop the malarkey and give us the chance to vote on the Town Budget just like we do for the School.

You the Town Council Members have stalled long enough with your quasi surveys etc.  Maybe we ought to just try another recall for the whole damned bunch of you. Bet that might bring out the 30% needed if not more.

Town Council Agenda For 9/20/11

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL

___Councilor Bickford
___ Councilor Bowie
___ Councilor Cote
___ Councilor Larochelle
___Councilor Lunt
___ Councilor Mason
___ Councilor Pomelow

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Charter Amendments

4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

5. CONSENT AGENDA

2011-173 ORDER −
A. Minutes of July 19, 2011
B. Minutes of August 16, 2011
C. Minutes of August 23, 2011
D. Minutes of August 30, 2011
E. Minutes of September 6, 2011
F. Set Polling Hours, Locations, Registrar Hours, and Casting Absentee Ballot Times
G. Liquor License – Left Hand Club

6. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES

2011-174 ORDER −
Route 196 Sewer Line Replacement

2011-175 ORDER −
Carries & Transfers

2011-176 ORDER −
231 Lisbon Street

2011-177 ORDER −
Charter Amendments Questions 1-8

2011-178 ORDER −
Budget Referendum Advisory Question

2011-179 ORDER −
Fire Dept. Street Closure Request for World Trade Center Monument Ceremony

2011-180 ORDER −
CMP Pole Permit – Huston & Main Street

7. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Moxie Festival Committee Presentation
B. Finance Director’s Report
C. Town Manager’s Report

8. APPOINTMENTS

2011-181 ORDER −
Board of Assessment Review (1) Member (Reappointment) – 3 year term

9. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION

11. ADJOURNMENT
2011-182 ORDER −
To Adjourn

Lisbon Desperately Needs To Get It's Town Government Back Under Control

                                               Lisbon Crossroads

 

In my humble opinion Lisbon is approaching a crossroads. The path she will take is up to you.

 

Will she take the right path and bring town government back under control or will she turn her head and give all control over to the few for their own personal gain.

 

Over the last months I have seen some hidden external force exert its will over our Council, getting bolder and bolder as the time goes by. The face on this force is hidden from public view but make no mistake the force is there. It can be seen by observing councillors actions.

99.5% of our town wants a vote on the budget yet our councillors flatly refuse to allow us the vote.
The Council has been taking its residents land with no regard for the impact it has on our neighbors lives.
Free speech at town meetings has been severely limited.
The peoples ability to remove a corrupt councillor is in the process of becoming extinct.
Our police apparently refuse to enforce laws on some councillors.
And the list goes on and on.

We need to take our town back. We need to go to the next Town Council Meeting and let our councillors know the veil is lifting. We can see what is happening and we won’t allow it anymore.

 

As English philosopher Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph [of evil] is for good men to do nothing.” Lisbon is full of good men and women. Let our voices be heard.

 

Joe Hill

LisbonMaine.net